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US President Donald Trump on Monday (Dec 8) threatened to impose an additional 5 per cent tariff on Mexico, accusing the nation of violating its “comprehensive water treaty”. Trump alleged that the violation was “hurting our beautiful Texas crops and livestock”. Giving a deadline of December 31, Trump warned its neighbour of imposing additional tariffs if 200,000 acre-feet of water is not released by them. He added that Mexico has an “obligation” to fix the issue.In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Mexico continues to violate our comprehensive Water Treaty, and this violation is seriously hurting our BEAUTIFUL TEXAS CROPS AND LIVESTOCK. Mexico still owes the U.S over 800,000 acre-feet of water for failing to comply with our Treaty over the past five years.”The US president also stated that Mexico is not responding, adding that it is “very unfair” to the farmers in the US. He stated that he has authorised documentation to punish Mexico with a 5 per cent tariff if the demands aren’t met by December 31.“The U.S needs Mexico to release 200,000 acre-feet of water before December 31st, and the rest must come soon after. As of now, Mexico is not responding, and it is very unfair to our U.S. Farmers who deserve this much needed water. That is why I have authorized documentation to impose a 5% Tariff on Mexico if this water isn’t released, IMMEDIATELY. The longer Mexico takes to release the water, the more our Farmers are hurt. Mexico has an obligation to FIX THIS NOW. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he said.<h2>What is 1944 US-Mexico water treaty?</h2>Under the ‘Treaty on the utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande’, which was signed in 1944 betwee the two neighbours, Mexico is required to send 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the US from the Rio Grande through a network of interconnected dams and reservoirs every five years, which is used to support agricultural activities in Texas and other US bordering states.The agreement also states that the United States must allocate 1.5 million acre-feet of water from the Colorado River to Mexico every year for agriculture in Baja California and Chihuahua, which are heavily reliant on water that comes from the US.

The US president also stated that Mexico is not responding, adding that it is “very unfair” to the farmers in the US. He stated that he has authorised documentation to punish Mexico with a 5 per cent tariff if the demands aren’t met by December 31.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Dec 8) threatened to impose an additional 5 per cent tariff on Mexico, accusing the nation of violating its “comprehensive water treaty”. Trump alleged that the violation was “hurting our beautiful Texas crops and livestock”. Giving a deadline of December 31, Trump warned its neighbour of imposing additional tariffs if 200,000 acre-feet of water is not released by them. He added that Mexico has an “obligation” to fix the issue. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Mexico continues to violate our comprehensive Water Treaty, and this violation is seriously hurting our BEAUTIFUL TEXAS CROPS AND LIVESTOCK. Mexico still owes the U.S over 800,000 acre-feet of water for failing to comply with our Treaty over the past five years.” The US president also stated that Mexico is not responding, adding that it is “very unfair” to the farmers in the US. He stated that he has authorised documentation to punish Mexico with a 5 per cent tariff if the demands aren’t met by December 31. “The U.S needs Mexico to release 200,000 acre-feet of water before December 31st, and the rest must come soon after. As of now, Mexico is not responding, and it is very unfair to our U.S. Farmers who deserve this much needed water. That is why I have authorized documentation to impose a 5% Tariff on Mexico if this water isn’t released, IMMEDIATELY. The longer Mexico takes to release the water, the more our Farmers are hurt. Mexico has an obligation to FIX THIS NOW. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he said. What is 1944 US-Mexico water treaty? Under the ‘Treaty on the utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande’, which was signed in 1944 betwee the two neighbours, Mexico is required to send 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the US from the Rio Grande through a network of interconnected dams and reservoirs every five years, which is used to support agricultural activities in Texas and other US bordering states. The agreement also states that the United States must allocate 1.5 million acre-feet of water from the Colorado River to Mexico every year for agriculture in Baja California and Chihuahua, which are heavily reliant on water that comes from the US.

The US president also stated that Mexico is not responding, adding that it is “very unfair” to the farmers in the US. He stated that he has authorised documentation to punish Mexico with a 5 per cent tariff if the demands aren’t met by December 31.

‘If water isn’t released immediately…’: Trump threatens additional tariffs on Mexico over water treaty violation

Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG), a former staunch ally of Donald Trump, doubled down her attack on the US president by suggesting that he should first fix everything domestically, and then talk to the rest of the world. She also claimed that Trump was very ‘unkind’ when she received death threats while speaking against him. She accused the US president of betraying MAGA and America First promises. Slamming her in a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump repeated his ‘traitor’ jibe and said that she is neither “America First” nor “MAGA.” Trump also had a melt-down over CBS 60 minutes show and its journalist.<h2>What MTG said in 60 minutes interview?</h2>Marjorie Taylor Greene, in a CBS News 60 Minutes interview, said, “For an ‘America First’ president, the No. 1 focus should have been domestic policy, and it wasn’t. And so, of course, I was critical, because those were my campaign promises. Once we fix everything here, then fine, we’ll talk to the rest of the world.” She also claimed that Republicans are “terrified to step out of line” when it comes to Trump's decisions. “I think they’re terrified to step out of line and get a nasty Truth Social post on them,” she said. She also mentioned about a phone call with Trump in which the US president asked her to discharge petition effort involving the Epstein files. “We did talk about the Epstein files, and he was extremely angry at me that I had signed the discharge petition to release the files. I fully believe that those women deserve everything they’re asking. They’re asking for all of it to come out; they deserve it. And he was furious with me. … He said it was going to hurt people,” she said. When asked if she was MAGA, Greene responded, “MAGA is President Trump’s phrase. That’s his, his political policies. I call myself America First.”<h2>How Trump reacted?</h2>In a Truth Social post, Trump said, "The only reason Marjorie “Traitor” Brown (Green turns Brown under stress!) went BAD is that she was JILTED by the President of the United States (Certainly not the first time she has been jilted!). Too much work, not enough time, and her ideas are, NOW, really BAD - She sort of reminds me of a Rotten Apple! Marjorie is not AMERICA FIRST or MAGA, because nobody could have changed her views so fast, and her new views are those of a very dumb person. That was proven last night when washed up, Trump hating, 60 Minutes “correspondent,” Lesley Stahl, who still owes me an apology from when she attacked me on the show (with serious conviction!), that Hunter Biden’s LAPTOP FROM HELL was produced by Russia, not Hunter himself (TOTALLY PROVEN WRONG!), interviewed a very poorly prepared Traitor, who in her confusion made many really stupid statements.&nbsp;&nbsp;He slammed the show saying, “My real problem with the show, however, wasn’t the low IQ traitor, it was that the new ownership of 60 Minutes, Paramount, would allow a show like this to air. THEY ARE NO BETTER THAN THE OLD OWNERSHIP, who just paid me millions of Dollars for FAKE REPORTING about your favorite President, ME! Since they bought it, 60 Minutes has actually gotten WORSE! Oh well, far worse things can happen. P.S. I hereby demand a complete and total APOLOGY, though far too late to be meaningful, from Lesley Stahl and 60 Minutes for her incorrect and Libelous statements about Hunter’s Laptop!!!” &nbsp;

MTG criticized Trump on 60 Minutes, saying he abandoned America First and pressured her over Epstein files. Trump hit back on Truth Social, calling her a “traitor” and slamming CBS and Lesley Stahl over the interview and past reporting.

Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG), a former staunch ally of Donald Trump, doubled down her attack on the US president by suggesting that he should first fix everything domestically, and then talk to the rest of the world. She also claimed that Trump was very ‘unkind’ when she received death threats while speaking against him. She accused the US president of betraying MAGA and America First promises. Slamming her in a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump repeated his ‘traitor’ jibe and said that she is neither “America First” nor “MAGA.” Trump also had a melt-down over CBS 60 minutes show and its journalist. What MTG said in 60 minutes interview? Marjorie Taylor Greene, in a CBS News 60 Minutes interview, said, “For an ‘America First’ president, the No. 1 focus should have been domestic policy, and it wasn’t. And so, of course, I was critical, because those were my campaign promises. Once we fix everything here, then fine, we’ll talk to the rest of the world.” She also claimed that Republicans are “terrified to step out of line” when it comes to Trump's decisions. “I think they’re terrified to step out of line and get a nasty Truth Social post on them,” she said. She also mentioned about a phone call with Trump in which the US president asked her to discharge petition effort involving the Epstein files. “We did talk about the Epstein files, and he was extremely angry at me that I had signed the discharge petition to release the files. I fully believe that those women deserve everything they’re asking. They’re asking for all of it to come out; they deserve it. And he was furious with me. … He said it was going to hurt people,” she said. When asked if she was MAGA, Greene responded, “MAGA is President Trump’s phrase. That’s his, his political policies. I call myself America First.” How Trump reacted? In a Truth Social post, Trump said, "The only reason Marjorie “Traitor” Brown (Green turns Brown under stress!) went BAD is that she was JILTED by the President of the United States (Certainly not the first time she has been jilted!). Too much work, not enough time, and her ideas are, NOW, really BAD - She sort of reminds me of a Rotten Apple! Marjorie is not AMERICA FIRST or MAGA, because nobody could have changed her views so fast, and her new views are those of a very dumb person. That was proven last night when washed up, Trump hating, 60 Minutes “correspondent,” Lesley Stahl, who still owes me an apology from when she attacked me on the show (with serious conviction!), that Hunter Biden’s LAPTOP FROM HELL was produced by Russia, not Hunter himself (TOTALLY PROVEN WRONG!), interviewed a very poorly prepared Traitor, who in her confusion made many really stupid statements. He slammed the show saying, “My real problem with the show, however, wasn’t the low IQ traitor, it was that the new ownership of 60 Minutes, Paramount, would allow a show like this to air. THEY ARE NO BETTER THAN THE OLD OWNERSHIP, who just paid me millions of Dollars for FAKE REPORTING about your favorite President, ME! Since they bought it, 60 Minutes has actually gotten WORSE! Oh well, far worse things can happen. P.S. I hereby demand a complete and total APOLOGY, though far too late to be meaningful, from Lesley Stahl and 60 Minutes for her incorrect and Libelous statements about Hunter’s Laptop!!!”

MTG criticized Trump on 60 Minutes, saying he abandoned America First and pressured her over Epstein files. Trump hit back on Truth Social, calling her a “traitor” and slamming CBS and Lesley Stahl over the interview and past reporting.

Trump says his former ally Marjorie 'Traitor' reminds him of 'rotten apple': Here's what triggered the latest tussle

US Vice President JD Vance, while speaking at a a Christmas party, narrated an incident about US President Donald Trump's joke during an Oval Office meeting that he said was meant to “publicly embarrass” another politician. The Christmas party was held at Vance's residence to honour movie star Sylvester Stallone. Vance said that Trump made a joke about men’s anatomy relating to their shoe sizes. Netizens have reacted sharply as the video of Vance's anecdote surfaced on the internet. Vance is already facing the heat for saying that “mass migration is theft of American dream.”&nbsp;Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-you-and-erika-jd-vance-told-to-send-wife-kids-back-to-india-after-remark-on-mass-migration-1765188635575">'You and Erika...': Netizens tell JD Vance to 'send wife, kids back to India' after remark on 'mass migration'</a>&nbsp;“People often ask me what it's like to be the Vice President of the United States. And a lot of that is exactly what you’d expect it to look like…but sometimes you get these behind-the-scenes moments that I will never, ever forget for the rest of my life,” Vance said, narrating about the Ovel Office meeting. Vance said that while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump and he were discussing some “really, really important” matter in the office, Trump peered over the Resolute Desk to tell Vance and Rubio that they have “s****y shoes.” The vice president revealed that Trump pulled out a shoe catalogue and said, ”We got to get you better shoes."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-responds-usha-vance-missing-wedding-ring-erika-kirk-hug-rumours-1765004063383">JD Vance breaks silence on viral hug with Erika Kirk after Usha Vance spotted without wedding ring</a>&nbsp;Trump then went on to ask them about their shoe sizes. According to Vance, Trump said, “Marco, what’s your shoe size? JD, what’s your shoe size?” Vance then revealed that Macro's size is 11 and his is 13. The vice president added, “Then [Trump] asked this politician, who I won’t embarrass, what his shoe size is, and he says: ‘Seven.’" Vance continued, “The President, he kind of leans back in his chair and says, ‘You know you can tell a lot about a man by his shoe size.’” Vance then referenced his wife, Usha Vance, who was standing next to him and said, “We won’t ask the Second Lady for comment on that particular topic.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Vice President JD Vance just dropped a hilarious Oval Office story leaving the entire room cracking up. President Trump glanced over the Resolute Desk at VP Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio and said, “You guys have shitty shoes.” Right then and there, Trump pulled out a shoe… <a href="https://t.co/3Z2xyh9MZK">pic.twitter.com/3Z2xyh9MZK</a>&mdash; Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/1997132492747227450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Vice President JD Vance recounted a humorous Oval Office moment where US President Donald Trump joked about men’s shoe sizes. However, the incident has gone viral on internet with netizens claiming that the joke was misplaced and crude

US Vice President JD Vance, while speaking at a a Christmas party, narrated an incident about US President Donald Trump's joke during an Oval Office meeting that he said was meant to “publicly embarrass” another politician. The Christmas party was held at Vance's residence to honour movie star Sylvester Stallone. Vance said that Trump made a joke about men’s anatomy relating to their shoe sizes. Netizens have reacted sharply as the video of Vance's anecdote surfaced on the internet. Vance is already facing the heat for saying that “mass migration is theft of American dream.” Also Read | 'You and Erika...': Netizens tell JD Vance to 'send wife, kids back to India' after remark on 'mass migration' “People often ask me what it's like to be the Vice President of the United States. And a lot of that is exactly what you’d expect it to look like…but sometimes you get these behind-the-scenes moments that I will never, ever forget for the rest of my life,” Vance said, narrating about the Ovel Office meeting. Vance said that while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump and he were discussing some “really, really important” matter in the office, Trump peered over the Resolute Desk to tell Vance and Rubio that they have “s****y shoes.” The vice president revealed that Trump pulled out a shoe catalogue and said, ”We got to get you better shoes." Also Read: JD Vance breaks silence on viral hug with Erika Kirk after Usha Vance spotted without wedding ring Trump then went on to ask them about their shoe sizes. According to Vance, Trump said, “Marco, what’s your shoe size? JD, what’s your shoe size?” Vance then revealed that Macro's size is 11 and his is 13. The vice president added, “Then [Trump] asked this politician, who I won’t embarrass, what his shoe size is, and he says: ‘Seven.’" Vance continued, “The President, he kind of leans back in his chair and says, ‘You know you can tell a lot about a man by his shoe size.’” Vance then referenced his wife, Usha Vance, who was standing next to him and said, “We won’t ask the Second Lady for comment on that particular topic.”

Vice President JD Vance recounted a humorous Oval Office moment where US President Donald Trump joked about men’s shoe sizes. However, the incident has gone viral on internet with netizens claiming that the joke was misplaced and crude

'Can tell a lot about a man...': Vance narrates Trump's crude joke about 's****y shoes and 'size,' embarrasses wife Usha

The death toll from fresh clashes along the Thailand-Cambodian border has risen to six, said the nation's defence ministry on Tuesday (Dec 9). In a Facebook post, the Cambodian defence ministry said that the Thai military fired into the border province of Banteay Meanchey after midnight, “resulting in the deaths of two civilians who were travelling on National Road 56 by shelling”. With the fresh update, the civilian death toll in Cambodia has risen to six since Monday. Meanwhile, Thailand has confirmed the death of one of its soldiers and injuries to several others. Thailand launched airstrikes early Monday, saying it was responding to Cambodian forces firing BM-21 rockets towards civilian areas in Buriram province.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-launches-fresh-air-strikes-against-cambodia-despite-peacemaker-trump-s-mediation-1765161273636">Thailand launches fresh air strikes against Cambodia despite Trump’s mediation</a><h2>Tell the aggressor to stop</h2>International leaders are calling for restraint. On Monday, the European Union called on the two nations to "exercise maximum restraint" and dial down hostilities. The remarks were echoed by the United Nations, in a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both parties "to avoid further escalation" and "recommit to the ceasefire" brokered earlier this year. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, too, has called for restraint and diplomacy. However, speaking to reporters in Bangkok, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insisted that no one should tell his country to stop."We're long past that point," he said. "If you want things to stop, tell the aggressor to stop."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-bad-was-japan-s-7-6-earthquake-at-leat-10-injured-tsunami-warning-and-more-what-we-know-so-far-1765241958444">How bad was Japan’s 7.6 earthquake? At least 30 injured, reveal authorities</a><h2>Thousands evacuated</h2>About 35,000 people in Thailand have been evacuated from border areas, according to the country’s Second Army Region. The surge in violence follows combat this summer, in which five days of fighting left 43 people dead and forced around 300,000 to flee before a ceasefire took hold. However, last month, a follow-up agreement backed by US President Donald Trump led to a pause in the conflict, but the truce was suspended by Thailand last month after a landmine blast wounded several of its soldiers. &nbsp; &nbsp;

6 dead in Cambodia after fresh clashes along Thailand border: Cambodian defence ministry

The death toll from fresh clashes along the Thailand-Cambodian border has risen to six, said the nation's defence ministry on Tuesday (Dec 9). In a Facebook post, the Cambodian defence ministry said that the Thai military fired into the border province of Banteay Meanchey after midnight, “resulting in the deaths of two civilians who were travelling on National Road 56 by shelling”. With the fresh update, the civilian death toll in Cambodia has risen to six since Monday. Meanwhile, Thailand has confirmed the death of one of its soldiers and injuries to several others. Thailand launched airstrikes early Monday, saying it was responding to Cambodian forces firing BM-21 rockets towards civilian areas in Buriram province. Also read | Thailand launches fresh air strikes against Cambodia despite Trump’s mediation Tell the aggressor to stop International leaders are calling for restraint. On Monday, the European Union called on the two nations to "exercise maximum restraint" and dial down hostilities. The remarks were echoed by the United Nations, in a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both parties "to avoid further escalation" and "recommit to the ceasefire" brokered earlier this year. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, too, has called for restraint and diplomacy. However, speaking to reporters in Bangkok, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insisted that no one should tell his country to stop. "We're long past that point," he said. "If you want things to stop, tell the aggressor to stop." Also read | How bad was Japan’s 7.6 earthquake? At least 30 injured, reveal authorities Thousands evacuated About 35,000 people in Thailand have been evacuated from border areas, according to the country’s Second Army Region. The surge in violence follows combat this summer, in which five days of fighting left 43 people dead and forced around 300,000 to flee before a ceasefire took hold. However, last month, a follow-up agreement backed by US President Donald Trump led to a pause in the conflict, but the truce was suspended by Thailand last month after a landmine blast wounded several of its soldiers.

6 dead in Cambodia after fresh clashes along Thailand border: Cambodian defence ministry

The strong earthquake that shook northern Japan late Monday (Dec 8) night injured at least 30 people, said authorities on Tuesday (Dec 9). While the earthquake briefly triggered tsunami alerts, there was no major damage. The magnitude 7.6 quake struck at 11:15 pm off the coast of Aomori, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency warned that the tremor increased the likelihood of similar or even stronger quakes in the coming days.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earthquake-of-7-6-magnitude-hits-japan-tsunami-warning-issued-1765205745134">Earthquake of 7.6 magnitude hits Japan, tsunami warning issued</a><h2>30 injured in Japan 7.6 magnitude earthquake</h2>Most of the reported injuries were minor, but one person in Hokkaido was seriously hurt, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said. Residents across the region described a sharp, violent shaking that lasted for roughly 30 seconds. Citing its reporter in Hokkaido, AFP reported that smartphone alarms blared as the ground shook.Images from the area showed broken glass scattered across streets, while about 2,700 homes in Aomori temporarily lost power, Kyodo News reported. Local fire departments also received multiple reports of blazes shortly after the quake, though details remained limited.<h2>Tsunami fears</h2>Authorities initially feared the worst. The JMA warned that tsunami waves as high as three metres could hit parts of the coast and urged thousands of residents to move to safer ground. In the end, the largest waves recorded were around 70 centimetres, and the warnings were lifted after several hours.Bullet train services were halted in parts of the region while engineers inspected tracks for damage. Tohoku Electric Power said no abnormalities were detected at its Higashidori nuclear plant in Aomori or at the Onagawa facility in nearby Miyagi.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-out-at-zelensky-says-he-s-disappointed-ukrainian-president-hasn-t-even-read-us-peace-plan-for-ukraine-war-1765156813538">Trump hits out at Zelensky, says he's 'disappointed' with the Ukrainian president. Here's why</a>Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged people to remain cautious for the next week. "Please listen to information from the JMA or local governments for about a week and check if furniture is fixed .... and be prepared to evacuate when you feel shaking," she said.Japan is among the world’s most earthquake-prone nations, sitting at the junction of four major tectonic plates along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The archipelago sees around 1,500 quakes every year, most of them mild but not always harmless. &nbsp;

A massive 7.6 quake rocked northern Japan overnight, triggering tsunami alerts and injuring 30. Power outages, fires and halted trains added to the scare. 

The strong earthquake that shook northern Japan late Monday (Dec 8) night injured at least 30 people, said authorities on Tuesday (Dec 9). While the earthquake briefly triggered tsunami alerts, there was no major damage. The magnitude 7.6 quake struck at 11:15 pm off the coast of Aomori, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency warned that the tremor increased the likelihood of similar or even stronger quakes in the coming days. Also read | Earthquake of 7.6 magnitude hits Japan, tsunami warning issued 30 injured in Japan 7.6 magnitude earthquake Most of the reported injuries were minor, but one person in Hokkaido was seriously hurt, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said. Residents across the region described a sharp, violent shaking that lasted for roughly 30 seconds. Citing its reporter in Hokkaido, AFP reported that smartphone alarms blared as the ground shook. Images from the area showed broken glass scattered across streets, while about 2,700 homes in Aomori temporarily lost power, Kyodo News reported. Local fire departments also received multiple reports of blazes shortly after the quake, though details remained limited. Tsunami fears Authorities initially feared the worst. The JMA warned that tsunami waves as high as three metres could hit parts of the coast and urged thousands of residents to move to safer ground. In the end, the largest waves recorded were around 70 centimetres, and the warnings were lifted after several hours. Bullet train services were halted in parts of the region while engineers inspected tracks for damage. Tohoku Electric Power said no abnormalities were detected at its Higashidori nuclear plant in Aomori or at the Onagawa facility in nearby Miyagi. Also read | Trump hits out at Zelensky, says he's 'disappointed' with the Ukrainian president. Here's why Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged people to remain cautious for the next week. "Please listen to information from the JMA or local governments for about a week and check if furniture is fixed .... and be prepared to evacuate when you feel shaking," she said. Japan is among the world’s most earthquake-prone nations, sitting at the junction of four major tectonic plates along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The archipelago sees around 1,500 quakes every year, most of them mild but not always harmless.

A massive 7.6 quake rocked northern Japan overnight, triggering tsunami alerts and injuring 30. Power outages, fires and halted trains added to the scare.&nbsp;

How bad was Japan’s 7.6 earthquake? At least 30 injured, tsunami warning and more. What we know so far

The US Supreme Court appeared likely on Monday to back a bid by Donald Trump to expand presidential powers and curtail the independence of federal agencies.The case before the top court stems from the Republican president's firing of Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic member of the regulatory Federal Trade Commission (FTC).Slaughter was dismissed without cause and lower courts upheld her claim that the move violated rules Congress put in place to protect the members of independent government agencies.The Trump Justice Department appealed to the conservative-dominated Supreme Court and a majority of the justices appeared to side with the administration during oral arguments on Monday.Solicitor General John Sauer, representing the administration, urged the justices to overturn a landmark 1935 ruling known as "Humphrey's Executor" that prevented then president Franklin Roosevelt from dismissing a member of the FTC.Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative, referred to "Humphrey's Executor" as a "dried husk" during two-and-a-half hours of oral arguments and said the FTC today is significantly more powerful than it was in the 1930s.Sauer said the current situation amounts to a "power vacuum" and the president as chief executive should have the authority to remove members of the FTC and the two dozen other similarly structured independent agencies at will."The real world consequences here are human beings exercising enormous governmental authority with a great deal of control over individuals and businesses... who ultimately do not answer to the president," Sauer said."We think the text of the Constitution confers the executive power, all of it, on the president."<h2>- 'Uncontrolled power' -</h2>The three liberal justices on the nine-member court expressed concerns that a ruling in the president's favor would vastly increase the powers of the executive and strip independent agencies of protections from political influence."The result of what you want is that the president is going to have massive, unchecked, uncontrolled power," Justice Elena Kagan told the solicitor general."If there's one thing we know about the founders, it's that they wanted powers separated," Kagan said.Justice Sonia Sotomayor, another liberal, questioned the solicitor general along the same lines."You're asking us to destroy the structure of government and to take away from Congress its ability to protect its idea that the government is better structured with some agencies that are independent," Sotomayor said.The FTC's primary function is to protect the American public against deceptive or unfair business practices and it has taken on Apple, Amazon, Google, and Facebook parent Meta over how they wield market power.The FTC consists of five commissioners, typically representing both major political parties, with a chair nominated by the president.<h2>- 'Not in the best interests' -</h2>Trump fired Slaughter and the other Democrat on the FTC in March, opening the door for the Republican to appoint loyalists at the agency.Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a liberal, said it would be a mistake for the court to allow this."Independent agencies exist because Congress has decided that some issues, some matters, some areas, should be handled in this way by non-partisan experts," Jackson said."Having a president come in and fire all the scientists and the doctors and the economists and the PhDs and replacing them with loyalists and people who don't know anything is actually not in the best interests of the United States."The Supreme Court has overwhelmingly sided with Trump since he returned to office, allowing mass firing of federal workers, the withholding of funds appropriated by Congress and racial profiling in his sweeping immigration crackdown.The court is to hear arguments next month over Trump's bid to fire another senior official -- Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook.The justices blocked Trump in October from firing Cook until they could hear her case contesting her dismissal.The Supreme Court is expected to give its decision in the FTC case by the end of June.

The Trump Justice Department appealed to the conservative-dominated Supreme Court and a majority of the justices appeared to side with the administration during oral arguments on Monday.

The US Supreme Court appeared likely on Monday to back a bid by Donald Trump to expand presidential powers and curtail the independence of federal agencies. The case before the top court stems from the Republican president's firing of Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic member of the regulatory Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Slaughter was dismissed without cause and lower courts upheld her claim that the move violated rules Congress put in place to protect the members of independent government agencies. The Trump Justice Department appealed to the conservative-dominated Supreme Court and a majority of the justices appeared to side with the administration during oral arguments on Monday. Solicitor General John Sauer, representing the administration, urged the justices to overturn a landmark 1935 ruling known as "Humphrey's Executor" that prevented then president Franklin Roosevelt from dismissing a member of the FTC. Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative, referred to "Humphrey's Executor" as a "dried husk" during two-and-a-half hours of oral arguments and said the FTC today is significantly more powerful than it was in the 1930s. Sauer said the current situation amounts to a "power vacuum" and the president as chief executive should have the authority to remove members of the FTC and the two dozen other similarly structured independent agencies at will. "The real world consequences here are human beings exercising enormous governmental authority with a great deal of control over individuals and businesses... who ultimately do not answer to the president," Sauer said. "We think the text of the Constitution confers the executive power, all of it, on the president." - 'Uncontrolled power' - The three liberal justices on the nine-member court expressed concerns that a ruling in the president's favor would vastly increase the powers of the executive and strip independent agencies of protections from political influence. "The result of what you want is that the president is going to have massive, unchecked, uncontrolled power," Justice Elena Kagan told the solicitor general. "If there's one thing we know about the founders, it's that they wanted powers separated," Kagan said. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, another liberal, questioned the solicitor general along the same lines. "You're asking us to destroy the structure of government and to take away from Congress its ability to protect its idea that the government is better structured with some agencies that are independent," Sotomayor said. The FTC's primary function is to protect the American public against deceptive or unfair business practices and it has taken on Apple, Amazon, Google, and Facebook parent Meta over how they wield market power. The FTC consists of five commissioners, typically representing both major political parties, with a chair nominated by the president. - 'Not in the best interests' - Trump fired Slaughter and the other Democrat on the FTC in March, opening the door for the Republican to appoint loyalists at the agency. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a liberal, said it would be a mistake for the court to allow this. "Independent agencies exist because Congress has decided that some issues, some matters, some areas, should be handled in this way by non-partisan experts," Jackson said. "Having a president come in and fire all the scientists and the doctors and the economists and the PhDs and replacing them with loyalists and people who don't know anything is actually not in the best interests of the United States." The Supreme Court has overwhelmingly sided with Trump since he returned to office, allowing mass firing of federal workers, the withholding of funds appropriated by Congress and racial profiling in his sweeping immigration crackdown. The court is to hear arguments next month over Trump's bid to fire another senior official -- Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook. The justices blocked Trump in October from firing Cook until they could hear her case contesting her dismissal. The Supreme Court is expected to give its decision in the FTC case by the end of June.

The Trump Justice Department appealed to the conservative-dominated Supreme Court and a majority of the justices appeared to side with the administration during oral arguments on Monday.

US apex court to approve expansion of presidential powers

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that Kyiv had no legal or moral right to give up land to Russia in any deal aimed at ending Moscow's nearly four-year invasion."Do we envision ceding territories? We have no legal right to do so, under Ukrainian law, our constitution and international law. And we don't have any moral right either," Zelensky said in an online press conference.Zelensky said that the US was trying to find a compromise on the issue."Russia is insisting that we give up territories, but we don't want to cede anything. We are fighting for that, as you well know.""There are difficult problems concerning the territories and so far there has been no compromise."Earlier, a senior official close to the talks told AFP that the question of Ukrainian territory was the "most problematic" in the negotiations.The issue of security guarantees for Kyiv has also been among the main sticking points of the talks."The key is to know what our partners will be ready to do in the event of new aggression by Russia. At the moment, we have not received any answer to this question," Zelensky said.Following his London meetings, Zelensky travelled to Brussels to hold talks with heads of NATO and the European Commission."Then, during the night, around 1:00 am (0000 GMT) or midnight I will go to Italy," he said in his press conference.Zelensky said that Ukrainian and European officials "are going to work on these 20 points" received from the US side and that counter-proposals could be ready by Tuesday evening to be sent to Washington.

Following his London meetings, Zelensky travelled to Brussels to hold talks with heads of NATO and the European Commission.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that Kyiv had no legal or moral right to give up land to Russia in any deal aimed at ending Moscow's nearly four-year invasion. "Do we envision ceding territories? We have no legal right to do so, under Ukrainian law, our constitution and international law. And we don't have any moral right either," Zelensky said in an online press conference. Zelensky said that the US was trying to find a compromise on the issue. "Russia is insisting that we give up territories, but we don't want to cede anything. We are fighting for that, as you well know." "There are difficult problems concerning the territories and so far there has been no compromise." Earlier, a senior official close to the talks told AFP that the question of Ukrainian territory was the "most problematic" in the negotiations. The issue of security guarantees for Kyiv has also been among the main sticking points of the talks. "The key is to know what our partners will be ready to do in the event of new aggression by Russia. At the moment, we have not received any answer to this question," Zelensky said. Following his London meetings, Zelensky travelled to Brussels to hold talks with heads of NATO and the European Commission. "Then, during the night, around 1:00 am (0000 GMT) or midnight I will go to Italy," he said in his press conference. Zelensky said that Ukrainian and European officials "are going to work on these 20 points" received from the US side and that counter-proposals could be ready by Tuesday evening to be sent to Washington.

Following his London meetings, Zelensky travelled to Brussels to hold talks with heads of NATO and the European Commission.

Kyiv has no right to cede land to Russia: Zelensky

US President Donald Trump is reportedly planning the dismissal of his Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. This came after the controversy surrounding her alleged romantic partner, Corey Lewandowski. As per the former Department of Homeland Security officials, the American president's aides have grown more frustrated with Noem’s problematic—and married—partner, Lewandowski's behaviour and influence. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-40-billion-defence-budget-to-counter-china-s-invasion-and-to-refuse-to-submit-to-being-china-s-taiwan-1764156268611">Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’</a>&nbsp;“Things are f***ed,” one former official told The Bulwark regarding the couple. “It’s horrible, they’re going to destroy this place. I’m just hoping the new secretary gets here in time," the aide added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-white-house-has-recieved-report-on-macron-s-plan-to-assassinate-me-candace-owens-another-big-claim-as-her-show-goes-off-air-1764165691510">‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air</a>&nbsp;Who could replace Noem?&nbsp;Amid reports of her dismissal, it has been suggested that Glenn Youngkin may replace Noem. Noem, who is married to Bryon Noem, along with her clumsy chief adviser, has consistently refuted claims regarding their supposed relationship, which has been dubbed D.C.’s “worst-kept secret.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-40-billion-defence-budget-to-counter-china-s-invasion-and-to-refuse-to-submit-to-being-china-s-taiwan-1764156268611">Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’</a>

Noem, who is married to Bryon Noem, along with her clumsy chief adviser, has consistently refuted claims regarding their supposed relationship, which has been dubbed D.C. worst-kept secret.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly planning the dismissal of his Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. This came after the controversy surrounding her alleged romantic partner, Corey Lewandowski. As per the former Department of Homeland Security officials, the American president's aides have grown more frustrated with Noem’s problematic—and married—partner, Lewandowski's behaviour and influence. Also read: Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’ “Things are f***ed,” one former official told The Bulwark regarding the couple. “It’s horrible, they’re going to destroy this place. I’m just hoping the new secretary gets here in time," the aide added. Also read: ‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air Who could replace Noem? Amid reports of her dismissal, it has been suggested that Glenn Youngkin may replace Noem. Noem, who is married to Bryon Noem, along with her clumsy chief adviser, has consistently refuted claims regarding their supposed relationship, which has been dubbed D.C.’s “worst-kept secret.” Also read: Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’

Noem, who is married to Bryon Noem, along with her clumsy chief adviser, has consistently refuted claims regarding their supposed relationship, which has been dubbed D.C.’s “worst-kept secret.”

Kristi Noem’s ‘secret romance’ to cost her job? Trump may ‘fire’ his HSS over her ‘worst-kept secret’

United States residents will get free entry to national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite on President Donald Trump's birthday. In a latest move to elevate his profile in public. However, the Americans were getting the same privilege on two national days commemorating civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr and the end of slavery.&nbsp;The Change will take effect on January 1 and is part of US president's drive to put America first. These changes come at a time when the National Park Service is slated to upward revision of admission charges.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-india-and-russia-should-work-together-beijing-welcomes-putin-modi-meet-in-delhi-1765215057313">China, India and Russia should work together: Beijing welcomes Putin–Modi meet in Delhi</a>&nbsp;In 2025, the free-entry dates included Martin Luther King Jr Day, observed on the third Monday of January, and Juneteenth on 19 June, marking the 1865 emancipation of the last enslaved Americans.&nbsp;According to a US Department of the Interior statement, the eight free-entry days in 2026 will feature Flag Day on June 14, which is also Donald Trump’s birthday, when he will turn 80.&nbsp;The White House has also recently advised naming a new stadium for the Washington Commanders NFL team after Donald Trump. At the same time, some Republicans even supported putting his face on the $100 bill.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-recording-has-to-stop-here-us-commander-confronts-israeli-counterpart-over-alleged-surveillance-report-1765207989427">'Recording has to stop here': US commander confronts Israeli counterpart over alleged surveillance — Report</a>&nbsp;The United States has 63 national parks, including the world's first and largest, Yellowstone National Park. In 2024, more than 330 million people visited these biodiversity conservation spots.&nbsp;As of 2026, the annual entry fee will be revised to $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents. Nonresidents without a pass will have to pay $100 per person to enter 11 of the most visited parks in addition to the standard entrance fee. &nbsp;

United States residents will get free entry to national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite on President Donald Trump's birthday, In a latest move to elevate his profile in public.

United States residents will get free entry to national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite on President Donald Trump's birthday. In a latest move to elevate his profile in public. However, the Americans were getting the same privilege on two national days commemorating civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr and the end of slavery. The Change will take effect on January 1 and is part of US president's drive to put America first. These changes come at a time when the National Park Service is slated to upward revision of admission charges. Also Read: China, India and Russia should work together: Beijing welcomes Putin–Modi meet in Delhi In 2025, the free-entry dates included Martin Luther King Jr Day, observed on the third Monday of January, and Juneteenth on 19 June, marking the 1865 emancipation of the last enslaved Americans. According to a US Department of the Interior statement, the eight free-entry days in 2026 will feature Flag Day on June 14, which is also Donald Trump’s birthday, when he will turn 80. The White House has also recently advised naming a new stadium for the Washington Commanders NFL team after Donald Trump. At the same time, some Republicans even supported putting his face on the $100 bill. Also Read: 'Recording has to stop here': US commander confronts Israeli counterpart over alleged surveillance — Report The United States has 63 national parks, including the world's first and largest, Yellowstone National Park. In 2024, more than 330 million people visited these biodiversity conservation spots. As of 2026, the annual entry fee will be revised to $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents. Nonresidents without a pass will have to pay $100 per person to enter 11 of the most visited parks in addition to the standard entrance fee.

United States residents will get free entry to national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite on President Donald Trump's birthday, in a latest move to elevate his profile in public.

President Donald Trump to give Americans this birthday gift on his 80th

An Indian-origin former nurse has been convicted of killing an Australian woman, bringing closure to a case that began seven years ago when the victim’s body was found on a remote Queensland beach. Toyah Cordingley, who worked in a pharmacy, was discovered partially buried in the sand dunes of Wangetti Beach, roughly 40 km north of Cairns, on October 22, 2018. Authorities said the accused, Rajwinder Singh, had driven to the beach after an argument with his wife, carrying a kitchen knife and some fruit.&nbsp;Cordingley had taken her dog for a walk along the shore when their paths crossed. After her dog allegedly barked at Singh, the encounter escalated into a heated dispute. Prosecutors argued that Singh reacted violently, fatally stabbing her before concealing the body in the dunes and securing her dog to a nearby tree.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-india-and-russia-should-work-together-beijing-welcomes-putin-modi-meet-in-delhi-1765215057313">China, India and Russia should work together: Beijing welcomes Putin–Modi meet in Delhi</a>&nbsp;As the jury in the Cairns Supreme Court announced its verdict, Cordingley’s father shouted at Singh, telling him to “rot in hell, you bas****,” while Singh appeared unfazed. Two days after the killing, Singh abruptly left Australia, abandoning his family and job under the pretext of visiting an ill grandfather. Police soon identified him as a suspect, linking the movements of his vehicle to data from Cordingley’s phone.&nbsp;A record one-million-dollar reward was issued by Queensland Police for information leading to his capture. Singh managed to evade authorities for four years and had no contact with his family during his disappearance. In November 2022, he was located and arrested by Delhi Police at a gurudwara, before being extradited to Australia the following year.&nbsp;Although the trial was initially set for 2024, it was delayed due to slow document transfers. Partway through the proceedings, a juror was dismissed over claims of bias, but the court ruled the remaining panel could proceed fairly. Sentencing submissions are scheduled for Tuesday, signaling the next step in the long-running case.

'Rot in hell, you bas****': Seven years on, jury convicts former India-origin nurse in Queensland beach killing

An Indian-origin former nurse has been convicted of killing an Australian woman, bringing closure to a case that began seven years ago when the victim’s body was found on a remote Queensland beach. Toyah Cordingley, who worked in a pharmacy, was discovered partially buried in the sand dunes of Wangetti Beach, roughly 40 km north of Cairns, on October 22, 2018. Authorities said the accused, Rajwinder Singh, had driven to the beach after an argument with his wife, carrying a kitchen knife and some fruit. Cordingley had taken her dog for a walk along the shore when their paths crossed. After her dog allegedly barked at Singh, the encounter escalated into a heated dispute. Prosecutors argued that Singh reacted violently, fatally stabbing her before concealing the body in the dunes and securing her dog to a nearby tree. Also Read: China, India and Russia should work together: Beijing welcomes Putin–Modi meet in Delhi As the jury in the Cairns Supreme Court announced its verdict, Cordingley’s father shouted at Singh, telling him to “rot in hell, you bas****,” while Singh appeared unfazed. Two days after the killing, Singh abruptly left Australia, abandoning his family and job under the pretext of visiting an ill grandfather. Police soon identified him as a suspect, linking the movements of his vehicle to data from Cordingley’s phone. A record one-million-dollar reward was issued by Queensland Police for information leading to his capture. Singh managed to evade authorities for four years and had no contact with his family during his disappearance. In November 2022, he was located and arrested by Delhi Police at a gurudwara, before being extradited to Australia the following year. Although the trial was initially set for 2024, it was delayed due to slow document transfers. Partway through the proceedings, a juror was dismissed over claims of bias, but the court ruled the remaining panel could proceed fairly. Sentencing submissions are scheduled for Tuesday, signaling the next step in the long-running case.

Former hospital nurse Rajwinder Singh is convicted of killing Toyah Cordingley at a remote Queensland beach in 2018 after years on the run and a long-delayed trial

China on Monday (Dec 08) welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to India, describing it as a positive step in the direction of cooperation among key Global South economies. Beijing said that stronger trilateral ties are beneficial to regional and global peace and stability, apart from advancing their own national interests. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that fostering "sound relations" among the three nations advances their own national interests and supports “regional and global peace, security, stability and prosperity."&nbsp;“China, Russia and India are emerging economies and important members of the Global South,” Guo said during a press briefing, in his first official reaction after Putin's high-profile visit to New Delhi last week and his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/don-t-selectively-target-indians-mea-seeks-assurance-from-china-after-shanghai-airport-row-india-china-border-china-beijing-sanghai-1765208125798">Don’t 'selectively target' Indians: MEA seeks assurance from China after Shanghai airport row</a>&nbsp;Putin's first visit to India after the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 was closely observed by Beijing, owing to its strategic ties with Moscow. Responding to a query about the Russian President's remark, where he described both India and China as "our closet friends," Guo said China is ready to work with both to foster strong bilateral relations.&nbsp;On the issue of India-China relations, Guo declared China wants to promote sustained and strong ties with New Delhi with a long-term perspective. The bilateral ties between both countries worsened following a violent confrontation in Eastern Ladakh in 2020 until last year, and are on a path of normalisation amid ongoing geopolitical shifts.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tariff-woes-us-president-to-announce-12-bn-relief-package-for-farmers-china-india-trade-war-trump-tariffs-tariff-war-tariff-woes-1765198553979">Trump tariff woes: US President to announce $12 bn relief package for farmers</a><h2>Shifting geopolitical landscape&nbsp;</h2>Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India comes amid a shifting geopolitical landscape, with India and China locked in a tense trade standoff with the United States after President Trump imposed baseline tariffs on most nations seeking fresh and “fair” bilateral trade agreements. India, despite its close partnership with Washington, was hit with an additional 25 per cent tariff on its purchase of Russian oil, on top of the 25 per cent baseline tariffs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moscow continues to face sanctions from Western countries, including the United States, for its nearly four-year war with Ukraine. However, negotiations are reportedly underway between Kyiv and Washington to bring an end to the conflict. &nbsp;

China said that fostering "sound relations" among the three nations advances their own national interests and supports “regional and global peace, security, stability and prosperity."

China on Monday (Dec 08) welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to India, describing it as a positive step in the direction of cooperation among key Global South economies. Beijing said that stronger trilateral ties are beneficial to regional and global peace and stability, apart from advancing their own national interests. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that fostering "sound relations" among the three nations advances their own national interests and supports “regional and global peace, security, stability and prosperity." “China, Russia and India are emerging economies and important members of the Global South,” Guo said during a press briefing, in his first official reaction after Putin's high-profile visit to New Delhi last week and his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also Read: Don’t 'selectively target' Indians: MEA seeks assurance from China after Shanghai airport row Putin's first visit to India after the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 was closely observed by Beijing, owing to its strategic ties with Moscow. Responding to a query about the Russian President's remark, where he described both India and China as "our closet friends," Guo said China is ready to work with both to foster strong bilateral relations. On the issue of India-China relations, Guo declared China wants to promote sustained and strong ties with New Delhi with a long-term perspective. The bilateral ties between both countries worsened following a violent confrontation in Eastern Ladakh in 2020 until last year, and are on a path of normalisation amid ongoing geopolitical shifts. Also Read: Trump tariff woes: US President to announce $12 bn relief package for farmers Shifting geopolitical landscape Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India comes amid a shifting geopolitical landscape, with India and China locked in a tense trade standoff with the United States after President Trump imposed baseline tariffs on most nations seeking fresh and “fair” bilateral trade agreements. India, despite its close partnership with Washington, was hit with an additional 25 per cent tariff on its purchase of Russian oil, on top of the 25 per cent baseline tariffs. Moscow continues to face sanctions from Western countries, including the United States, for its nearly four-year war with Ukraine. However, negotiations are reportedly underway between Kyiv and Washington to bring an end to the conflict.

China said that fostering "sound relations" among the three nations advances their own national interests and supports “regional and global peace, security, stability and prosperity."

China, India and Russia should work together: Beijing welcomes Putin–Modi meet in Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Ethiopia next week, marking the first trip by an Indian leader to the Horn of Africa nation in more than a decade and underscoring New Delhi’s renewed push to deepen ties with the continent. The Indian leader is likely to arrive in Addis Ababa on 16 December and stay until the 17th, as part of a three-nation tour that also takes in Jordan (15-16 December) and Oman (17-18 December). The last Indian prime minister to visit Ethiopia was Manmohan Singh in 2011.In the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a key role in ending border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea. The two leaders last met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in 2023, when they discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence, information technology, agriculture, youth skilling and people-to-people contacts.Mr Abiy has also participated in various editions of India’s Voice of the Global South Summit, the inaugural leaders’ session in November 2023 and the third summit in August 2024, reflecting warming political ties. Both countries are now members of the expanded BRICS grouping, and the upcoming visit could help revive momentum for the long-delayed fourth India-Africa Forum Summit. The last such summit took place in Delhi in 2015, and before that in Ethiopia itself (2011). The AU's secretariat, the African Union Commission, is based in Addis Ababa.India and Ethiopia have a robust development partnership rooted in South-South cooperation. Addis Ababa is one of the largest recipients of Indian concessional lines of credit on the continent, with projects spanning railways, sugar factories and power transmission. Capacity-building programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) scheme have trained thousands of Ethiopian officials and professionals.Along with Ethiopia, PM Modi will travel to Oman, his second visit after 2018, and Jordan, where he will undertake his first full bilateral trip, having only made a brief transit stop in Amman in 2018 en route to Palestine. The whirlwind West Asia leg highlights India’s growing strategic and energy interests in the Gulf and Levant at a time of heightened regional tensions.

In the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a key role in ending border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Ethiopia next week, marking the first trip by an Indian leader to the Horn of Africa nation in more than a decade and underscoring New Delhi’s renewed push to deepen ties with the continent. The Indian leader is likely to arrive in Addis Ababa on 16 December and stay until the 17th, as part of a three-nation tour that also takes in Jordan (15-16 December) and Oman (17-18 December). The last Indian prime minister to visit Ethiopia was Manmohan Singh in 2011. In the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a key role in ending border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea. The two leaders last met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in 2023, when they discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence, information technology, agriculture, youth skilling and people-to-people contacts. Mr Abiy has also participated in various editions of India’s Voice of the Global South Summit, the inaugural leaders’ session in November 2023 and the third summit in August 2024, reflecting warming political ties. Both countries are now members of the expanded BRICS grouping, and the upcoming visit could help revive momentum for the long-delayed fourth India-Africa Forum Summit. The last such summit took place in Delhi in 2015, and before that in Ethiopia itself (2011). The AU's secretariat, the African Union Commission, is based in Addis Ababa. India and Ethiopia have a robust development partnership rooted in South-South cooperation. Addis Ababa is one of the largest recipients of Indian concessional lines of credit on the continent, with projects spanning railways, sugar factories and power transmission. Capacity-building programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) scheme have trained thousands of Ethiopian officials and professionals. Along with Ethiopia, PM Modi will travel to Oman, his second visit after 2018, and Jordan, where he will undertake his first full bilateral trip, having only made a brief transit stop in Amman in 2018 en route to Palestine. The whirlwind West Asia leg highlights India’s growing strategic and energy interests in the Gulf and Levant at a time of heightened regional tensions.

In the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a key role in ending border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea.

Indian PM Modi to visit Ethiopia next week; focus on development partnership, stronger Africa ties

Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistan government has reportedly proposed to the UK government to accept all the Pakistan-origin sex offenders from Britain. And the country also wants some rebels of the regime, too. &nbsp;Pakistan has said that it would accept the return of convicted members of the Pakistani grooming gang, like Qari Abdul Rauf and Adil Khan, in exchange for Britain extraditing two high-profile anti-Asim Munir political dissidents: Shahzad Akbar and Adil Raja. Akbar was the special assistant to former PM Imran Khan, and Raja was an army officer-turned-whistleblower.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-40-billion-defence-budget-to-counter-china-s-invasion-and-to-refuse-to-submit-to-being-china-s-taiwan-1764156268611">Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’</a>&nbsp;Both Shahzad Akbar and Adil Raja have been living in exile in the UK since around April 2022, and are critics of the hybrid regime of Asim Munir-led military and PM Shehbaz Sharif.&nbsp;The alleged proposal came after a meeting on December 4 in Islamabad. It was between Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott. Official statements described the talks as focused on "security cooperation", tackling "fake news", and repatriating undocumented Pakistanis.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-white-house-has-recieved-report-on-macron-s-plan-to-assassinate-me-candace-owens-another-big-claim-as-her-show-goes-off-air-1764165691510">‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Dawn reported that both parties "discussed the return of Pakistanis illegally residing in the UK", nothing in the public readouts mentioned grooming gang offenders.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-first-congratulate-him-for-gaza-deal-say-russia-supported-it-then-in-leaked-call-transcript-witkoff-reveals-how-to-crack-a-deal-with-trump-1764239775071">'First congratulate him for Gaza deal, then...': In LEAKED call transcript, Witkoff reveals how to crack a deal with Trump</a>&nbsp;Naqvi, according to the Dawn report, also stressed that Pakistan could not allow "slander and defamation against state institutions from those sitting abroad," referring to Akbar and Raja.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-1-200-to-each-affected-house-38-5-million-for-residents-aid-hong-kong-govt-after-building-fire-kills-55-leaves-hundreds-homeless-1764243371424">‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless</a>

Both Shahzad Akbar and Adil Raja have been living in exile in the UK since around April 2022, and are critics of the hybrid regime of Asim Munir-led military and PM Shehbaz Sharif.



Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistan government has reportedly proposed to the UK government to accept all the Pakistan-origin sex offenders from Britain. And the country also wants some rebels of the regime, too. Pakistan has said that it would accept the return of convicted members of the Pakistani grooming gang, like Qari Abdul Rauf and Adil Khan, in exchange for Britain extraditing two high-profile anti-Asim Munir political dissidents: Shahzad Akbar and Adil Raja. Akbar was the special assistant to former PM Imran Khan, and Raja was an army officer-turned-whistleblower. Also read: Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’ Both Shahzad Akbar and Adil Raja have been living in exile in the UK since around April 2022, and are critics of the hybrid regime of Asim Munir-led military and PM Shehbaz Sharif. The alleged proposal came after a meeting on December 4 in Islamabad. It was between Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott. Official statements described the talks as focused on "security cooperation", tackling "fake news", and repatriating undocumented Pakistanis. Also read: ‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air Meanwhile, Dawn reported that both parties "discussed the return of Pakistanis illegally residing in the UK", nothing in the public readouts mentioned grooming gang offenders. Also read: 'First congratulate him for Gaza deal, then...': In LEAKED call transcript, Witkoff reveals how to crack a deal with Trump Naqvi, according to the Dawn report, also stressed that Pakistan could not allow "slander and defamation against state institutions from those sitting abroad," referring to Akbar and Raja. Also read: ‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless

Both Shahzad Akbar and Adil Raja have been living in exile in the UK since around April 2022, and are critics of the hybrid regime of Asim Munir-led military and PM Shehbaz Sharif.&nbsp;

Pakistan wants ‘extradition’ of 2 ‘anti-Asim Munir’ officials in UK - in return for taking back sex grooming members

Ukraine's European allies put on a show of support for President Volodymyr Zelensky Monday as they expressed scepticism about parts of the US proposal to end the war with Russia. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron at his Downing Street residence in London. The discussions came after President Donald Trump accused Zelensky of not reading his administration's proposal on a deal to end Russia's invasion following almost four years of war.&nbsp;That came after days of talks between Ukrainian and US officials in Miami ended on Saturday with no apparent breakthrough, with Zelensky committing to further negotiations.&nbsp;"I'm sceptical about some of the details which we are seeing in the documents coming from the US side, but we have to talk about it. That's why we are here," Merz said at the top of Monday's meeting, without specifying which version of the proposal he was referring to.&nbsp;Macron said the "main issue" is finding a "convergence" between the European and Ukrainian position and that of the United States.&nbsp;Starmer hugged Zelensky as he welcomed the Ukrainian leader to Downing Street shortly after 1:00 pm, with the talks lasting a little over an hour.&nbsp;The UK premier had earlier said he would not be pushing Zelensky to accept the deal spearheaded by Trump's administration, the initial version of which was criticised by Ukraine's allies as overly favourable to Russia.&nbsp;"I won't be putting pressure on the president," Starmer told ITV News.&nbsp;"The most important thing is to ensure that if there is a cessation of hostilities, and I hope there is, it has to be just and it has to be lasting, which is what we will be focused on this afternoon," the UK prime minister added.&nbsp;But Zelensky said as he headed into the meeting that "there are some things which we can't manage without Americans, things which we can't manage without Europe, and that's why we need to make some important decisions."&nbsp;An official familiar with the negotiations told AFP on Monday that territory was still "the most problematic issue" in the negotiations.&nbsp;The tricky subject of how Europe can potentially best use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine was also to be discussed.&nbsp;A UK official told reporters that Starmer would "update President Zelensky on our wider support today, including through the use of the value of immobilized Russian sovereign assets, which we hope to see movement on soon".&nbsp;A European Union plan to use frozen Russian assets to fund Kyiv's fight against Russia would have "far-reaching consequences" for the EU, Moscow's ambassador to Germany warned last week.<h2>'Disappointed'&nbsp;</h2>Earlier, Zelensky said he had joined his negotiators for a "very substantive and constructive" call with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during the Miami negotiations.&nbsp;"Ukraine is committed to continuing to work honestly with the American side to bring about real peace," Zelensky said on Telegram, adding that the parties agreed "on the next steps and the format of the talks with America".&nbsp;But Trump criticised his Ukrainian counterpart on Sunday, telling reporters: "I have to say that I'm a little bit disappointed that President Zelensky hasn't yet read the proposal, that was as of a few hours ago."&nbsp;Witkoff and Kushner had met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin last week, with Moscow rejecting parts of the US proposal.&nbsp;Before Monday's talks, Macron slammed what he called Russia's "escalatory path".&nbsp;"We will continue these efforts with the Americans to provide Ukraine with security guarantees, without which no robust and lasting peace will be possible," he wrote on X.&nbsp;"We must continue to exert pressure on Russia to compel it to choose peace."<h2>Hot and cold</h2>Washington's initial plan to bring an end to the conflict involved Ukraine surrendering land that Russia has not been able to win on the battlefield in return for security promises that fall short of Kyiv's aspirations to join NATO.&nbsp;But the nature of the security guarantees that Ukraine could get to fend off any future Russian invasion has so far been shrouded in uncertainty, beyond an initial plan saying that jets to defend Kyiv could be based in Poland.&nbsp;Trump has blown hot and cold on Ukraine since returning to office in January, initially chastising Zelensky for not being grateful for US support.&nbsp;But he has also grown frustrated that his efforts to persuade Putin to end the war, including a summit in Alaska, have failed to produce results, and he recently slapped sanctions on Russian oil firms.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

Macron said the "main issue" is finding a "convergence" between the European and Ukrainian position and that of the United States.

Ukraine's European allies put on a show of support for President Volodymyr Zelensky Monday as they expressed scepticism about parts of the US proposal to end the war with Russia. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron at his Downing Street residence in London. The discussions came after President Donald Trump accused Zelensky of not reading his administration's proposal on a deal to end Russia's invasion following almost four years of war. That came after days of talks between Ukrainian and US officials in Miami ended on Saturday with no apparent breakthrough, with Zelensky committing to further negotiations. "I'm sceptical about some of the details which we are seeing in the documents coming from the US side, but we have to talk about it. That's why we are here," Merz said at the top of Monday's meeting, without specifying which version of the proposal he was referring to. Macron said the "main issue" is finding a "convergence" between the European and Ukrainian position and that of the United States. Starmer hugged Zelensky as he welcomed the Ukrainian leader to Downing Street shortly after 1:00 pm, with the talks lasting a little over an hour. The UK premier had earlier said he would not be pushing Zelensky to accept the deal spearheaded by Trump's administration, the initial version of which was criticised by Ukraine's allies as overly favourable to Russia. "I won't be putting pressure on the president," Starmer told ITV News. "The most important thing is to ensure that if there is a cessation of hostilities, and I hope there is, it has to be just and it has to be lasting, which is what we will be focused on this afternoon," the UK prime minister added. But Zelensky said as he headed into the meeting that "there are some things which we can't manage without Americans, things which we can't manage without Europe, and that's why we need to make some important decisions." An official familiar with the negotiations told AFP on Monday that territory was still "the most problematic issue" in the negotiations. The tricky subject of how Europe can potentially best use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine was also to be discussed. A UK official told reporters that Starmer would "update President Zelensky on our wider support today, including through the use of the value of immobilized Russian sovereign assets, which we hope to see movement on soon". A European Union plan to use frozen Russian assets to fund Kyiv's fight against Russia would have "far-reaching consequences" for the EU, Moscow's ambassador to Germany warned last week. 'Disappointed' Earlier, Zelensky said he had joined his negotiators for a "very substantive and constructive" call with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during the Miami negotiations. "Ukraine is committed to continuing to work honestly with the American side to bring about real peace," Zelensky said on Telegram, adding that the parties agreed "on the next steps and the format of the talks with America". But Trump criticised his Ukrainian counterpart on Sunday, telling reporters: "I have to say that I'm a little bit disappointed that President Zelensky hasn't yet read the proposal, that was as of a few hours ago." Witkoff and Kushner had met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin last week, with Moscow rejecting parts of the US proposal. Before Monday's talks, Macron slammed what he called Russia's "escalatory path". "We will continue these efforts with the Americans to provide Ukraine with security guarantees, without which no robust and lasting peace will be possible," he wrote on X. "We must continue to exert pressure on Russia to compel it to choose peace." Hot and cold Washington's initial plan to bring an end to the conflict involved Ukraine surrendering land that Russia has not been able to win on the battlefield in return for security promises that fall short of Kyiv's aspirations to join NATO. But the nature of the security guarantees that Ukraine could get to fend off any future Russian invasion has so far been shrouded in uncertainty, beyond an initial plan saying that jets to defend Kyiv could be based in Poland. Trump has blown hot and cold on Ukraine since returning to office in January, initially chastising Zelensky for not being grateful for US support. But he has also grown frustrated that his efforts to persuade Putin to end the war, including a summit in Alaska, have failed to produce results, and he recently slapped sanctions on Russian oil firms. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Macron said the "main issue" is finding a "convergence" between the European and Ukrainian position and that of the United States.

EU leaders rally behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as skepticism grows over US peace proposal

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday welcomed the UK government's decision to impose sanctions on pro-Khalistan extremist networks linked to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa, terming it a significant step in strengthening global efforts against terrorism and illicit financial flows.&nbsp;Responding to queries at the weekly press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that New Delhi appreciates London's action targeting individuals and entities involved in anti-India extremist activities.&nbsp;He added that such individuals pose a threat not only to India and the UK but to people across the world.&nbsp;"We welcome the steps that have been taken by the UK government to sanction anti-India extremist entities, which strengthen the global fight against terrorism and extremism and help to curb illicit financial flows and transnational crime networks," Jaiswal said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/don-t-selectively-target-indians-mea-seeks-assurance-from-china-after-shanghai-airport-row-india-china-border-china-beijing-sanghai-1765208125798">Don’t 'selectively target' Indians: MEA seeks assurance from China after Shanghai airport row</a>&nbsp;"Such individuals not just pose a threat to India and the UK but to people across the world. We look forward to working closely with the UK side to further strengthen our counter-terrorism and security cooperation," he said.&nbsp;Last week, the UK government imposed sanctions aimed at disrupting the funding mechanisms of the pro-Khalistan terror group Babbar Khalsa--marking the first time such measures have been applied against the organisation.&nbsp;The UK announced an asset freeze and director disqualification against Gurpreet Singh Rehal, who is suspected of belonging to organisations involved in terrorism in India.An asset freeze against Babbar Akali Lehar, for promoting and supporting the same terrorist group, has also been announced. According to the UK Treasury Department, Rehal is involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar's terrorist activities, including promoting and encouraging, carrying out recruitment activities for, and providing financial services to, as well as supporting and assisting those organisations, including through purchasing weapons and other military materiel.&nbsp;The government also said that Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with, and involved in, Babbar Khalsa's terrorist activities by promoting and encouraging and carrying out recruitment activities for the group and itself.&nbsp;All funds and economic resources in the UK owned, held or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar are now subject to an asset freeze, and Rehal is also subject to director disqualification sanctions which prohibit him from acting as a director of a company or directly or indirectly taking part in or being concerned in the promotion, formation or management of a company.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-to-meet-us-president-donald-trump-on-december-29-says-israel-1765203206175">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet US President Donald Trump on December 29, says Israel</a>&nbsp;The Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (the Regulations) allow the UK Treasury to freeze assets and impose restrictions on individuals and entities suspected of involvement in terrorism. Babbar Khalsa is a proscribed terrorist organisation.&nbsp;

Last week, the UK government imposed sanctions aimed at disrupting the funding mechanisms of the pro-Khalistan terror group Babbar Khalsa--marking the first time such measures have been applied against the organisation.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday welcomed the UK government's decision to impose sanctions on pro-Khalistan extremist networks linked to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa, terming it a significant step in strengthening global efforts against terrorism and illicit financial flows. Responding to queries at the weekly press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that New Delhi appreciates London's action targeting individuals and entities involved in anti-India extremist activities. He added that such individuals pose a threat not only to India and the UK but to people across the world. "We welcome the steps that have been taken by the UK government to sanction anti-India extremist entities, which strengthen the global fight against terrorism and extremism and help to curb illicit financial flows and transnational crime networks," Jaiswal said. Also Read: Don’t 'selectively target' Indians: MEA seeks assurance from China after Shanghai airport row "Such individuals not just pose a threat to India and the UK but to people across the world. We look forward to working closely with the UK side to further strengthen our counter-terrorism and security cooperation," he said. Last week, the UK government imposed sanctions aimed at disrupting the funding mechanisms of the pro-Khalistan terror group Babbar Khalsa--marking the first time such measures have been applied against the organisation. The UK announced an asset freeze and director disqualification against Gurpreet Singh Rehal, who is suspected of belonging to organisations involved in terrorism in India. An asset freeze against Babbar Akali Lehar, for promoting and supporting the same terrorist group, has also been announced. According to the UK Treasury Department, Rehal is involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar's terrorist activities, including promoting and encouraging, carrying out recruitment activities for, and providing financial services to, as well as supporting and assisting those organisations, including through purchasing weapons and other military materiel. The government also said that Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with, and involved in, Babbar Khalsa's terrorist activities by promoting and encouraging and carrying out recruitment activities for the group and itself. All funds and economic resources in the UK owned, held or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar are now subject to an asset freeze, and Rehal is also subject to director disqualification sanctions which prohibit him from acting as a director of a company or directly or indirectly taking part in or being concerned in the promotion, formation or management of a company. Also Read: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet US President Donald Trump on December 29, says Israel The Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (the Regulations) allow the UK Treasury to freeze assets and impose restrictions on individuals and entities suspected of involvement in terrorism. Babbar Khalsa is a proscribed terrorist organisation.

Last week, the UK government imposed sanctions aimed at disrupting the funding mechanisms of the pro-Khalistan terror group Babbar Khalsa--marking the first time such measures have been applied against the organisation.

India welcomes UK sanctioning pro-Khalistan terror group Babbar Khalsa: MEA

Israeli personnel have been accused of extensive monitoring of US troops and partner representatives working at a newly established American base in southern Israel, according to individuals briefed on disputes surrounding both overt and concealed recordings of internal exchanges. The extent of the alleged surveillance at the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) alarmed US commanders enough that Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank reportedly called in an Israeli military counterpart to firmly insist that “recording has to stop here.”&nbsp;Concerns have come not only from US personnel but also from visiting delegations from additional allied countries. Several have privately warned colleagues to avoid sharing sensitive details inside the facility, fearing they could be captured and misused. Both the US military and the Israel Defense Forces declined to address the specific allegations. Israel’s military, however, said it routinely documents meetings in which its officers participate and described any claim that it was collecting intelligence on partners as “absurd,” stressing that conversations inside the CMCC are unclassified. The CMCC was created in October to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza, coordinate humanitarian shipments, and begin shaping Gaza’s postwar structure under Donald Trump’s 20-point framework. Oversized prints of that plan are displayed prominently throughout the building. Although the center was intended to increase the flow of aid into Gaza, Israeli authorities have repeatedly limited or halted deliveries of essential supplies. A total blockade earlier this year contributed to famine conditions in several areas. When the CMCC began operating, media reports suggested the US might take the lead on aid oversight. But two months into the ceasefire, one US official says Israel still controls what enters Gaza: “They remain the hand, and the CMCC has become the glove.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earthquake-of-7-6-magnitude-hits-japan-tsunami-warning-issued-1765205745134">Earthquake of 7.6 magnitude hits Japan, tsunami warning issued</a>&nbsp;American logistics teams dispatched to the center, many experienced in difficult disaster-relief environments, initially believed they could dramatically expand aid access. Within weeks, many realized Israeli restrictions were a far greater barrier than physical or operational challenges; dozens ultimately returned to their home bases. Diplomats say persistent dialogue within the CMCC has helped persuade Israel to loosen portions of its “dual-use” restrictions, which have blocked items such as tent poles and chemicals needed for water purification. Dutch foreign minister David van Weel said he was told during a visit that one such barrier was lifted following these discussions. Other items, including basic school supplies like pencils and paper, remain barred with no clear justification.<h2>Palestinians excluded entirely</h2>The CMCC hosts military planners from the US, Israel, the UK, and the UAE, along with diplomats and humanitarian groups invited to weigh in on aid flows and long-term planning. Yet Palestinians, whether from civil society, humanitarian agencies, or the Palestinian Authority, have no seat at the table. Attempts to include Palestinian voices through video teleconferencing were repeatedly interrupted or shut down by Israeli officials, according to multiple sources.&nbsp;Internal U.S. military planning documents avoid using the terms “Palestine” or “Palestinian,” instead referring to the population simply as “Gazans.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also framed the CMCC as a bilateral US-Israeli project, omitting mention of the additional partners.Located in a multistory building in the industrial area of Kiryat Gat, about 20 km from Gaza, the center occupies a facility previously used by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, whose food-distribution points later became deadly for hundreds of Palestinians during earlier crises. Remnants of the group’s aid stock still sit in the basement.&nbsp;The interior resembles a tech startup more than a military post: astroturf carpeting, scattered whiteboards forming ad-hoc workspaces, and American corporate terminology woven into daily routines. Some teams use mnemonics considered deeply insensitive, given Gaza’s devastation, including “Wellness Wednesdays” for planning hospital restorations and “Thirsty Thursdays” for work on water and sanitation, services that are currently failing and contributing to disease outbreaks.&nbsp;Diplomats and aid staff remain uneasy about the CMCC. Many worry the center blurs military and humanitarian roles, lacks an international mandate, excludes Palestinians entirely, and could violate international law. Yet they also fear that staying away would leave critical decisions about Gaza’s future solely in US and Israeli hands, even though many of the newly deployed American planners have a limited understanding of Gaza’s political realities. “This is the only avenue we have to be heard by the Americans,” one diplomat said, admitting uncertainty about whether their efforts will ultimately matter.&nbsp;With dozens of US military specialists already rotating out after their official assignments were completed, the CMCC’s influence may already be diminishing. Planning Gaza’s future in a political vacuum, absent Palestinian participation, has proved surprisingly easy compared with past negotiations, though it remains unclear whether any of these plans will ever be implemented.

'Recording has to stop here': US commander confronts Israeli counterpart over alleged surveillance — Report

Israeli personnel have been accused of extensive monitoring of US troops and partner representatives working at a newly established American base in southern Israel, according to individuals briefed on disputes surrounding both overt and concealed recordings of internal exchanges. The extent of the alleged surveillance at the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) alarmed US commanders enough that Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank reportedly called in an Israeli military counterpart to firmly insist that “recording has to stop here.” Concerns have come not only from US personnel but also from visiting delegations from additional allied countries. Several have privately warned colleagues to avoid sharing sensitive details inside the facility, fearing they could be captured and misused. Both the US military and the Israel Defense Forces declined to address the specific allegations. Israel’s military, however, said it routinely documents meetings in which its officers participate and described any claim that it was collecting intelligence on partners as “absurd,” stressing that conversations inside the CMCC are unclassified. The CMCC was created in October to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza, coordinate humanitarian shipments, and begin shaping Gaza’s postwar structure under Donald Trump’s 20-point framework. Oversized prints of that plan are displayed prominently throughout the building. Although the center was intended to increase the flow of aid into Gaza, Israeli authorities have repeatedly limited or halted deliveries of essential supplies. A total blockade earlier this year contributed to famine conditions in several areas. When the CMCC began operating, media reports suggested the US might take the lead on aid oversight. But two months into the ceasefire, one US official says Israel still controls what enters Gaza: “They remain the hand, and the CMCC has become the glove.” Also Read: Earthquake of 7.6 magnitude hits Japan, tsunami warning issued American logistics teams dispatched to the center, many experienced in difficult disaster-relief environments, initially believed they could dramatically expand aid access. Within weeks, many realized Israeli restrictions were a far greater barrier than physical or operational challenges; dozens ultimately returned to their home bases. Diplomats say persistent dialogue within the CMCC has helped persuade Israel to loosen portions of its “dual-use” restrictions, which have blocked items such as tent poles and chemicals needed for water purification. Dutch foreign minister David van Weel said he was told during a visit that one such barrier was lifted following these discussions. Other items, including basic school supplies like pencils and paper, remain barred with no clear justification. Palestinians excluded entirely The CMCC hosts military planners from the US, Israel, the UK, and the UAE, along with diplomats and humanitarian groups invited to weigh in on aid flows and long-term planning. Yet Palestinians, whether from civil society, humanitarian agencies, or the Palestinian Authority, have no seat at the table. Attempts to include Palestinian voices through video teleconferencing were repeatedly interrupted or shut down by Israeli officials, according to multiple sources. Internal U.S. military planning documents avoid using the terms “Palestine” or “Palestinian,” instead referring to the population simply as “Gazans.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also framed the CMCC as a bilateral US-Israeli project, omitting mention of the additional partners. Located in a multistory building in the industrial area of Kiryat Gat, about 20 km from Gaza, the center occupies a facility previously used by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, whose food-distribution points later became deadly for hundreds of Palestinians during earlier crises. Remnants of the group’s aid stock still sit in the basement. The interior resembles a tech startup more than a military post: astroturf carpeting, scattered whiteboards forming ad-hoc workspaces, and American corporate terminology woven into daily routines. Some teams use mnemonics considered deeply insensitive, given Gaza’s devastation, including “Wellness Wednesdays” for planning hospital restorations and “Thirsty Thursdays” for work on water and sanitation, services that are currently failing and contributing to disease outbreaks. Diplomats and aid staff remain uneasy about the CMCC. Many worry the center blurs military and humanitarian roles, lacks an international mandate, excludes Palestinians entirely, and could violate international law. Yet they also fear that staying away would leave critical decisions about Gaza’s future solely in US and Israeli hands, even though many of the newly deployed American planners have a limited understanding of Gaza’s political realities. “This is the only avenue we have to be heard by the Americans,” one diplomat said, admitting uncertainty about whether their efforts will ultimately matter. With dozens of US military specialists already rotating out after their official assignments were completed, the CMCC’s influence may already be diminishing. Planning Gaza’s future in a political vacuum, absent Palestinian participation, has proved surprisingly easy compared with past negotiations, though it remains unclear whether any of these plans will ever be implemented.

US personnel at the Civil-Military Coordination Center in Israel have reportedly raised alarms over alleged Israeli surveillance, aid restrictions, and Palestinian exclusion from planning Gaza’s future

Days after an Indian national repotedly singled out and detained at the Sanghai Airport for 18 hours, the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday (Dec 08) issued a firm Massage to China against mistreatment of its citizens, saying Indians transiting through Chinese airports should not be "selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained or harassed" and urged Beijing to "respect" regulations concerning international air travel.&nbsp;"We fully share your concern following the recent incident at Shanghai airport that you have cited. We expect the Chinese authorities to provide assurances that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not be selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained or harassed and that regulations governing international air travel will be respected by the Chinese side," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, answering a query on the incident.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earthquake-of-7-6-magnitude-hits-japan-tsunami-warning-issued-1765205745134">Earthquake of 7.6 magnitude hits Japan, tsunami warning issued</a>&nbsp;The statement follows growing concerns regarding the selective targeting of Indian nationals in China. Jaiswal was responding to a query related to Arunachal Women Pema Wangjom Thongdok, who was detained and questioned at the Shanghai airport, with Chinese officials claiming her Indian passport was invalid since Arunachal Pradesh is part of China.&nbsp;The MEA also advised Indians travelling to China or transiting through a Chinese airport to remain alert. "MEA would advise Indian nationals to exercise due discretion while travelling to or transiting through China," the MEA spokesperson added.&nbsp;Thangdok, a UK-based Indian national, was travelling from London to Japan in November with a layover in Shanghai, when she was singled out and "humiliated" by Chinese immigration officials and was confined to the transit area without proper food and facilities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indigo-crisis-refunds-worth-rs-827-crore-initiated-remaining-claims-under-process-says-airline-air-india-indigo-ceo-1765200084959">IndiGo crisis: Refunds worth Rs 827 crore initiated, remaining claims under process, says airline</a>&nbsp;India, at the time, raised a strong objection over the incident involving Thongdok, calling the detention "arbitrary" and lodging a strong demarche with China in both Beijing and New Delhi.&nbsp;China, however, rejected allegations of harassment levelled by Thongdok and stated that "the lawful rights and interests of the person concerned were fully protected and no compulsory measures were taken on her."<h2>India–China travel resumes after five years</h2>India and China resumed direct flights in October 2025, ending a freeze imposed after the 2020 border clashes at Galwan and pandemic restrictions. India also restored tourist visas for Chinese nationals, while China eased visa rules for Indian travellers.&nbsp;The reopening followed sustained diplomatic engagement, military-level talks and confidence-building measures along the border, signalling a broader thaw and a push to normalise travel, trade and people-to-people movement between India and China. &nbsp;

The MEA also advised Indians travelling to China or transiting through a Chinese airport to exercise due discretion. 

Days after an Indian national repotedly singled out and detained at the Sanghai Airport for 18 hours, the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday (Dec 08) issued a firm Massage to China against mistreatment of its citizens, saying Indians transiting through Chinese airports should not be "selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained or harassed" and urged Beijing to "respect" regulations concerning international air travel. "We fully share your concern following the recent incident at Shanghai airport that you have cited. We expect the Chinese authorities to provide assurances that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not be selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained or harassed and that regulations governing international air travel will be respected by the Chinese side," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, answering a query on the incident. Also Read: Earthquake of 7.6 magnitude hits Japan, tsunami warning issued The statement follows growing concerns regarding the selective targeting of Indian nationals in China. Jaiswal was responding to a query related to Arunachal Women Pema Wangjom Thongdok, who was detained and questioned at the Shanghai airport, with Chinese officials claiming her Indian passport was invalid since Arunachal Pradesh is part of China. The MEA also advised Indians travelling to China or transiting through a Chinese airport to remain alert. "MEA would advise Indian nationals to exercise due discretion while travelling to or transiting through China," the MEA spokesperson added. Thangdok, a UK-based Indian national, was travelling from London to Japan in November with a layover in Shanghai, when she was singled out and "humiliated" by Chinese immigration officials and was confined to the transit area without proper food and facilities. Also Read: IndiGo crisis: Refunds worth Rs 827 crore initiated, remaining claims under process, says airline India, at the time, raised a strong objection over the incident involving Thongdok, calling the detention "arbitrary" and lodging a strong demarche with China in both Beijing and New Delhi. China, however, rejected allegations of harassment levelled by Thongdok and stated that "the lawful rights and interests of the person concerned were fully protected and no compulsory measures were taken on her." India–China travel resumes after five years India and China resumed direct flights in October 2025, ending a freeze imposed after the 2020 border clashes at Galwan and pandemic restrictions. India also restored tourist visas for Chinese nationals, while China eased visa rules for Indian travellers. The reopening followed sustained diplomatic engagement, military-level talks and confidence-building measures along the border, signalling a broader thaw and a push to normalise travel, trade and people-to-people movement between India and China.

The MEA also advised Indians travelling to China or transiting through a Chinese airport to exercise due discretion.&nbsp;

Don’t 'selectively target' Indians: MEA seeks assurance from China after Shanghai airport row

On Monday (Dec 8), Donald Trump said he will sign an executive order which will establish “ONE RULE” on artificial intelligence. The move will limit state-level policies regulating the emerging technology, and the industry. He argues the move is vital to maintain US dominance. The US president took to his social media account to say, "There must be only One Rulebook if we are going to continue to lead in AI."&nbsp;&nbsp;“We are beating ALL COUNTRIES at this point in the race, but that won’t last long if we are going to have 50 States, many of them bad actors, involved in RULES and the APPROVAL PROCESS," he added.

Trump argues the move is vital to maintain US dominance. The US president took to his social media account to say, "There must be only One Rulebook if we are going to continue to lead in AI." 

On Monday (Dec 8), Donald Trump said he will sign an executive order which will establish “ONE RULE” on artificial intelligence. The move will limit state-level policies regulating the emerging technology, and the industry. He argues the move is vital to maintain US dominance. The US president took to his social media account to say, "There must be only One Rulebook if we are going to continue to lead in AI." “We are beating ALL COUNTRIES at this point in the race, but that won’t last long if we are going to have 50 States, many of them bad actors, involved in RULES and the APPROVAL PROCESS," he added.

Trump argues the move is vital to maintain US dominance. The US president took to his social media account to say, "There must be only One Rulebook if we are going to continue to lead in AI."&nbsp;

'One rulebook for AI': Trump to sign executive order blocking state regulations

Amid the diplomatic tensions with Japan, China vowed on Monday (Dec 8) to defend its sovereignty and warned against “external interference" after the US released its new security strategy. The strategy is aimed at building up military power to prevent conflict with Beijing over Taiwan.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-40-billion-defence-budget-to-counter-china-s-invasion-and-to-refuse-to-submit-to-being-china-s-taiwan-1764156268611">Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’</a>&nbsp;“The US side should … handle the Taiwan question with the utmost prudence, and stop indulging and supporting ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces in seeking independence by force or resisting reunification by force," Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, said. Why is US involved?&nbsp;America and its allies - Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia - are part of the First Island Chain. It's a natural barrier that covers Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Borneo.&nbsp;This chain limits China’s navy and air force movement, protects US allies, and provides US strategic depth in the Pacific. In this chain, Taiwan sits RIGHT in the middle. Therefore, if the US were not alert, China might take over Taiwan, break the whole chain, and get a straight path into the Pacific.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-40-billion-defence-budget-to-counter-china-s-invasion-and-to-refuse-to-submit-to-being-china-s-taiwan-1764156268611">Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’</a>&nbsp;If China gets Taiwan, the Chinese military will reach the Second Island Chain as well. This will help China project power deeper toward Guam, a major US military base. It can threaten supply routes linking the US to Asia, pressure Japan and the Philippines, and dominate the South China Sea.&nbsp;If China gets control of Taiwan, the US would no longer have access to Taiwanese chips, and it might lose access to the world’s most advanced semiconductor technology.

America and its allies - Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia - are part of the First Island Chain. It is a natural barrier that covers Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Borneo.



Amid the diplomatic tensions with Japan, China vowed on Monday (Dec 8) to defend its sovereignty and warned against “external interference" after the US released its new security strategy. The strategy is aimed at building up military power to prevent conflict with Beijing over Taiwan. Also read: Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’ “The US side should … handle the Taiwan question with the utmost prudence, and stop indulging and supporting ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces in seeking independence by force or resisting reunification by force," Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, said. Why is US involved? America and its allies - Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia - are part of the First Island Chain. It's a natural barrier that covers Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Borneo. This chain limits China’s navy and air force movement, protects US allies, and provides US strategic depth in the Pacific. In this chain, Taiwan sits RIGHT in the middle. Therefore, if the US were not alert, China might take over Taiwan, break the whole chain, and get a straight path into the Pacific. Also read: Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’ If China gets Taiwan, the Chinese military will reach the Second Island Chain as well. This will help China project power deeper toward Guam, a major US military base. It can threaten supply routes linking the US to Asia, pressure Japan and the Philippines, and dominate the South China Sea. If China gets control of Taiwan, the US would no longer have access to Taiwanese chips, and it might lose access to the world’s most advanced semiconductor technology.

America and its allies - Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia - are part of the First Island Chain. It's a natural barrier that covers Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Borneo.&nbsp;

China-Taiwan tensions: Beijing warns against ‘external interference’ in response to US security strategy release

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s northeast coast late on Monday (December 8), prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue tsunami alerts for Hokkaido as well as Aomori and Iwate prefectures. According to the agency, waves could reach heights of up to three metres (about 10 feet). The earthquake, which occurred at 11:15 pm local time, was felt across broad areas of northern and eastern Japan. JMA reported that the epicentre was roughly 80 km (50 miles) offshore from Aomori and about 50 km (30 miles) deep.&nbsp;In July 2025, a magnitude of 5.5 earthquake struck a sparsely populated island area in southwestern Japan. The earthquake originated off the Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, though no tsunami alert was issued. In the same month, Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula experienced a far stronger 8.8-magnitude earthquake, generating tsunami waves that affected nearby countries. It was the most powerful earthquake recorded globally in over a decade. For comparison, Japan previously endured a 9.1-magnitude megathrust quake in 2011, which unleashed a massive tsunami and caused widespread destruction.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-trashed-raccoon-who-was-found-boozed-out-shoots-to-fame-inspiring-cocktails-t-shirts-and-snl-1765185717229">'Trashed' raccoon found boozed out shoots to fame, inspiring cocktails, T-shirts and SNL</a><h2>Earthquakes do's and don'ts</h2><ul><li>Repair deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.</li><li>Anchor overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling.</li><li>Follow the BIS codes relevant to your area for building standards</li><li>Fasten shelves securely to walls.</li><li>Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.</li><li>Do not move from where you are. However, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.</li><li>DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there is no a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.</li><li>Protect yourself by staying under the lintel of an inner door, in the corner of a room, under a table, or even under a bed.</li><li>Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, (such as lighting fixtures or furniture).</li></ul>

Earthquake of 7.6 magnitude hits Japan, tsunami warning issued

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s northeast coast late on Monday (December 8), prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue tsunami alerts for Hokkaido as well as Aomori and Iwate prefectures. According to the agency, waves could reach heights of up to three metres (about 10 feet). The earthquake, which occurred at 11:15 pm local time, was felt across broad areas of northern and eastern Japan. JMA reported that the epicentre was roughly 80 km (50 miles) offshore from Aomori and about 50 km (30 miles) deep. In July 2025, a magnitude of 5.5 earthquake struck a sparsely populated island area in southwestern Japan. The earthquake originated off the Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, though no tsunami alert was issued. In the same month, Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula experienced a far stronger 8.8-magnitude earthquake, generating tsunami waves that affected nearby countries. It was the most powerful earthquake recorded globally in over a decade. For comparison, Japan previously endured a 9.1-magnitude megathrust quake in 2011, which unleashed a massive tsunami and caused widespread destruction. Also Read: 'Trashed' raccoon found boozed out shoots to fame, inspiring cocktails, T-shirts and SNL Earthquakes do's and don'ts Repair deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects. Anchor overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling. Follow the BIS codes relevant to your area for building standards Fasten shelves securely to walls. Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves. Do not move from where you are. However, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires. DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there is no a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building. Protect yourself by staying under the lintel of an inner door, in the corner of a room, under a table, or even under a bed. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, (such as lighting fixtures or furniture).

A 7.6 earthquake hit northeast Japan on Monday (December 8), prompting tsunami alerts, with waves up to 3m expected and strong shaking reported across northern and eastern regions

A Chinese virologist, who once claimed that the coronavirus was developed in a Wuhan laboratory and had been hiding in the US since then, has now said that the Beijing government might be using her relatives to lure her back into the country. Li-Meng Yan, in a whistleblower case in 2020, and since been hiding in America fearing Chinese retaliation. During her claims back then, she had claimed she had proof to show that the deadly virus was made in the Wuhan lab.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-40-billion-defence-budget-to-counter-china-s-invasion-and-to-refuse-to-submit-to-being-china-s-taiwan-1764156268611">Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’</a>&nbsp;She was working at a prestigious lab at the University of Hong Kong with her husband when the coronavirus pandemic broke out.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-white-house-has-recieved-report-on-macron-s-plan-to-assassinate-me-candace-owens-another-big-claim-as-her-show-goes-off-air-1764165691510">‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air</a>&nbsp;She said her theory created a deep rift within her family. She fled to the US with help from conservative organisations that amplified her claims, and now alleges that her work has put her in the crosshairs of the Chinese government, according to a New York Times (NYT) report.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-1-200-to-each-affected-house-38-5-million-for-residents-aid-hong-kong-govt-after-building-fire-kills-55-leaves-hundreds-homeless-1764243371424">‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless</a>&nbsp;"For over five years, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) has used my parents and Mahen (her husband, an experienced virologist) as tools to lure me back, attempting to carry out a "perfect crime" to erase the truth about the virus and avoid accountability," NYT quoted Yan as saying.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-first-congratulate-him-for-gaza-deal-say-russia-supported-it-then-in-leaked-call-transcript-witkoff-reveals-how-to-crack-a-deal-with-trump-1764239775071">'First congratulate him for Gaza deal, then...': In LEAKED call transcript, Witkoff reveals how to crack a deal with Trump</a>&nbsp;

She was working at a prestigious lab at the University of Hong Kong with her husband when the coronavirus pandemic broke out.



A Chinese virologist, who once claimed that the coronavirus was developed in a Wuhan laboratory and had been hiding in the US since then, has now said that the Beijing government might be using her relatives to lure her back into the country. Li-Meng Yan, in a whistleblower case in 2020, and since been hiding in America fearing Chinese retaliation. During her claims back then, she had claimed she had proof to show that the deadly virus was made in the Wuhan lab. Also read: Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’ She was working at a prestigious lab at the University of Hong Kong with her husband when the coronavirus pandemic broke out. Also read: ‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air She said her theory created a deep rift within her family. She fled to the US with help from conservative organisations that amplified her claims, and now alleges that her work has put her in the crosshairs of the Chinese government, according to a New York Times (NYT) report. Also read: ‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless "For over five years, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) has used my parents and Mahen (her husband, an experienced virologist) as tools to lure me back, attempting to carry out a "perfect crime" to erase the truth about the virus and avoid accountability," NYT quoted Yan as saying. Also read: 'First congratulate him for Gaza deal, then...': In LEAKED call transcript, Witkoff reveals how to crack a deal with Trump

She was working at a prestigious lab at the University of Hong Kong with her husband when the coronavirus pandemic broke out.&nbsp;

China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump on December 29, an Israeli government spokesperson said on Monday (December 8). Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson of the Prime Minister's office in Israel, said, "I can share with you that the Prime Minister will meet with President Trump on Monday, December 29th. They will discuss the future steps and phases and the international stabilization force of the ceasefire plan. Let's remember how the ceasefire plan came to be. With the military pressure Prime Minister Netanyahu put on Hamas while our troops entered their stronghold of Gaza City, and the diplomatic pressure President Trump put on Hamas, this is why we are here. We cannot forget how we got here. The third phase of this plan will be focused on the de-radicalization of the Gaza Strip."&nbsp;In October 2025, in a speech to the Israeli Knesset on Monday (October 13), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lavished praise on US President Donald Trump, calling him ‘the greatest friend that the Israel has ever had in the White House’. “No American president has ever done more for Israel, and as I said in Washington, it isn’t even close,” Netanyahu said, underscoring the significant impact Trump had on Israel’s diplomatic and security landscape. Netanyahu specifically highlighted Trump’s contributions, including his decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital during his first term, a move that was met with widespread praise in Israel but condemned by much of the international community. He also lauded Trump for brokered the Abraham Accords, agreements that led to the normalisation of diplomatic ties between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tariff-woes-us-president-to-announce-12-bn-relief-package-for-farmers-china-india-trade-war-trump-tariffs-tariff-war-tariff-woes-1765198553979">Trump tariff woes: US President to announce $12 bn relief package for farmers</a>&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (December 7) that the second stage of the US-backed proposal to end the conflict in Gaza was approaching, though he stressed that several major points still had to be settled, including whether an international security contingent would be sent in. Speaking in Jerusalem beside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said that he plans to meet US President Donald Trump later this month for significant talks focused on ensuring the transition to phase two of the plan.&nbsp;He said the discussions with Trump would also address how to dismantle Hamas’ authority in Gaza. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has now entered its second month, though each side continues to accuse the other of breaching the terms of the truce. Netanyahu added that it was essential not only that Hamas maintain the ceasefire, but also that it fulfill what he described as its obligations under the plan, including disarmament and the demilitarisation of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet US President Donald Trump on December 29, says Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump on December 29, an Israeli government spokesperson said on Monday (December 8). Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson of the Prime Minister's office in Israel, said, "I can share with you that the Prime Minister will meet with President Trump on Monday, December 29th. They will discuss the future steps and phases and the international stabilization force of the ceasefire plan. Let's remember how the ceasefire plan came to be. With the military pressure Prime Minister Netanyahu put on Hamas while our troops entered their stronghold of Gaza City, and the diplomatic pressure President Trump put on Hamas, this is why we are here. We cannot forget how we got here. The third phase of this plan will be focused on the de-radicalization of the Gaza Strip." In October 2025, in a speech to the Israeli Knesset on Monday (October 13), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lavished praise on US President Donald Trump, calling him ‘the greatest friend that the Israel has ever had in the White House’. “No American president has ever done more for Israel, and as I said in Washington, it isn’t even close,” Netanyahu said, underscoring the significant impact Trump had on Israel’s diplomatic and security landscape. Netanyahu specifically highlighted Trump’s contributions, including his decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital during his first term, a move that was met with widespread praise in Israel but condemned by much of the international community. He also lauded Trump for brokered the Abraham Accords, agreements that led to the normalisation of diplomatic ties between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. Also Read: Trump tariff woes: US President to announce $12 bn relief package for farmers Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (December 7) that the second stage of the US-backed proposal to end the conflict in Gaza was approaching, though he stressed that several major points still had to be settled, including whether an international security contingent would be sent in. Speaking in Jerusalem beside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said that he plans to meet US President Donald Trump later this month for significant talks focused on ensuring the transition to phase two of the plan. He said the discussions with Trump would also address how to dismantle Hamas’ authority in Gaza. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has now entered its second month, though each side continues to accuse the other of breaching the terms of the truce. Netanyahu added that it was essential not only that Hamas maintain the ceasefire, but also that it fulfill what he described as its obligations under the plan, including disarmament and the demilitarisation of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump on December 29, an Israeli government spokesperson said on Monday (December 8)

Senators Dick Durbin and Lisa Murkowski have reintroduced the Dream Act in the US Senate. Under this bill, the undocumented immigrants who were brought to America as children and have spent most of their lives in the country, termed as "Dreamers" in the document, will get the chance to file a petition for protection from deportation. The bill, under the Dream Act of 2025 of the US Constitution, seeks to grant Dreamers and Documented Dreamers a status as conditional permanent residents for a maximum of eight years. These people will be able to travel overseas, work lawfully in the US, and be protected from deportation with this status.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-40-billion-defence-budget-to-counter-china-s-invasion-and-to-refuse-to-submit-to-being-china-s-taiwan-1764156268611">Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’</a>&nbsp;Moreover, under this, the status of a conditional permanent resident may be converted to lawful permanent resident status or green card holder status.&nbsp;The legal status&nbsp;The bill says that the offspring of a non-immigrant E-1, E-2, H-1B, and L visa holders are considered “Documented Dreamers.” &nbsp;Also, the bill would permit Documented Dreamers—noncitizens who were raised in the US under visa status but “aged out” of their parents' visa when they reached the age of 21—to secure legal status.&nbsp;The objective&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-white-house-has-recieved-report-on-macron-s-plan-to-assassinate-me-candace-owens-another-big-claim-as-her-show-goes-off-air-1764165691510">‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air</a>&nbsp;The main aim of this bill is to offer stability and a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, who have resided, studied, and worked in the US for the majority of their lives. It also aims to permit noncitizens lacking lawful status, who were brought to the United States as children and who fulfil specific educational, military service, or employment criteria, to obtain lawful permanent residency.

The bill, under the Dream Act of 2025 of the US Constitution, seeks to grant Dreamers and Documented Dreamers a status as conditional permanent residents for a maximum of eight years. 

Senators Dick Durbin and Lisa Murkowski have reintroduced the Dream Act in the US Senate. Under this bill, the undocumented immigrants who were brought to America as children and have spent most of their lives in the country, termed as "Dreamers" in the document, will get the chance to file a petition for protection from deportation. The bill, under the Dream Act of 2025 of the US Constitution, seeks to grant Dreamers and Documented Dreamers a status as conditional permanent residents for a maximum of eight years. These people will be able to travel overseas, work lawfully in the US, and be protected from deportation with this status. Also read: Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’ Moreover, under this, the status of a conditional permanent resident may be converted to lawful permanent resident status or green card holder status. The legal status The bill says that the offspring of a non-immigrant E-1, E-2, H-1B, and L visa holders are considered “Documented Dreamers.” Also, the bill would permit Documented Dreamers—noncitizens who were raised in the US under visa status but “aged out” of their parents' visa when they reached the age of 21—to secure legal status. The objective Also read: ‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air The main aim of this bill is to offer stability and a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, who have resided, studied, and worked in the US for the majority of their lives. It also aims to permit noncitizens lacking lawful status, who were brought to the United States as children and who fulfil specific educational, military service, or employment criteria, to obtain lawful permanent residency.

The bill, under the Dream Act of 2025 of the US Constitution, seeks to grant Dreamers and Documented Dreamers a status as conditional permanent residents for a maximum of eight years.&nbsp;

A new method to get legal status in US: Dream Act 2025 is HERE. Know details and process | H-1B alert

The Trump administration is set to unveil long-awaited financial aid for farmers, according to a White House official. The relief package will include $12 billion in assistance to an important support base for the President, &nbsp;which was negatively impacted by low crop prices and the tariff policies of Trump. Of the $12 billion, nearly $11 billion will go in one-time payments to crop farmers under the Department of Agriculture's newly created Farmer Bridge Assistance program.&nbsp;The remaining part of the package is reserved for crops not covered under the FBA program, as per the official, as reported by Bloomberg.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-scales-up-op-sagar-bandhu-sends-four-additional-naval-ships-with-relief-supplies-to-sri-lanka-cyclone-ditwah-sri-lanka-crisis-1765193932359">India scales up Op Sagar Bandhu; sends four additional naval ships with relief supplies to Sri Lanka</a>&nbsp;The package follows rising frustration among the farmers on reduced demands from China after Beijing decided to clamp down this year in response to Trump's escalating tariffs.&nbsp;President Donald Trump plans to unveil the package at around 2 p.m. in Washington during an event with corn, cotton, sorghum, soybean, rice, cattle, wheat, and potato growers, alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, according to the official.&nbsp;The move follows similar precedent during the first term when the US and China had heightened tensions over tariffs, prompting President Trump to hand out a $28 billion to farmers in 2018 and 2019 to compensate for losses. While the aid provided instant relief to farmers, it had long-term repercussions for the United States, with China increasing its dependence on Brazil for sourcing soybeans.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/starlink-reveals-pricing-ahead-of-india-debut-know-how-much-elon-musk-s-internet-services-cost-elon-musk-starlink-internet-serivices-1765191357552">Starlink reveals pricing ahead of India debut: Know how much Elon Musk's internet services cost?</a>&nbsp;Farmers make a key voter base for the US president. In the 2024 polls farming community overwhelmingly supported Trump. However, they are now facing burnout of their tariff policies as export markets for the US producers have been shrinking with China halting its Soybean purchases earlier this year. &nbsp;

The package aims to compensate farmers for their losses, as they form an important voter base for the US President, following the impact of low crop prices and Trump’s tariff policies.

The Trump administration is set to unveil long-awaited financial aid for farmers, according to a White House official. The relief package will include $12 billion in assistance to an important support base for the President, which was negatively impacted by low crop prices and the tariff policies of Trump. Of the $12 billion, nearly $11 billion will go in one-time payments to crop farmers under the Department of Agriculture's newly created Farmer Bridge Assistance program. The remaining part of the package is reserved for crops not covered under the FBA program, as per the official, as reported by Bloomberg. Also Read: India scales up Op Sagar Bandhu; sends four additional naval ships with relief supplies to Sri Lanka The package follows rising frustration among the farmers on reduced demands from China after Beijing decided to clamp down this year in response to Trump's escalating tariffs. President Donald Trump plans to unveil the package at around 2 p.m. in Washington during an event with corn, cotton, sorghum, soybean, rice, cattle, wheat, and potato growers, alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, according to the official. The move follows similar precedent during the first term when the US and China had heightened tensions over tariffs, prompting President Trump to hand out a $28 billion to farmers in 2018 and 2019 to compensate for losses. While the aid provided instant relief to farmers, it had long-term repercussions for the United States, with China increasing its dependence on Brazil for sourcing soybeans. Also Read: Starlink reveals pricing ahead of India debut: Know how much Elon Musk's internet services cost? Farmers make a key voter base for the US president. In the 2024 polls farming community overwhelmingly supported Trump. However, they are now facing burnout of their tariff policies as export markets for the US producers have been shrinking with China halting its Soybean purchases earlier this year.

The package aims to compensate farmers for their losses, as they form an important voter base for the US President, following the impact of low crop prices and Trump’s tariff policies.

Trump tariff woes: US President to announce $12 bn relief package for farmers

India has scaled up its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in the wake of devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. New Delhi deployed four more naval ships with essential relief material, medical supplies under Operation Sagar Bandhu. The Indian Navy on Monday (Dec 08) said that INS Gharial, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57 have been tasked with transporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) stores to affected regions across Sri Lanka. Three of the ships, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57, reached Colombo on the morning of December 7 and handed over critical supplies to local authorities, while INS Gharial is expected to arrive in Trincomalee on December 8 to continue the relief operations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/starlink-reveals-pricing-ahead-of-india-debut-know-how-much-elon-musk-s-internet-services-cost-elon-musk-starlink-internet-serivices-1765191357552">Starlink reveals pricing ahead of India debut: Know how much Elon Musk's internet services cost?</a>&nbsp;The latest deployment follows earlier assistance delivered by INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya, which carried out relief missions and helicopter-borne search and rescue operations under the ongoing effort.&nbsp;With 1,000 tonnes of relief supplies onboard, this mission reinforces the strong people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka and reflects the Indian Navy's commitment to providing timely humanitarian support to our Indian Ocean Region neighbours, as per the statement.&nbsp;Earlier, the Indian Army shared updates on its relief efforts in the neighbouring country under Operation Sagar Bandhu. In the disaster-hit areas, a field hospital set up by the Army has treated over 1250 people and undertaken major emergency surgeries. Indian troops also inducted three Bailey Bridges to speed up the relief work and restore critical connectivity in affected areas, AGDPI wrote in a post on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-ncert-class-7-social-science-textbook-expands-coverage-on-mahmud-of-ghazni-s-invasion-in-detail-1765189534143">New NCERT class 7 social science textbook expands coverage on Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion in detail</a><h2>What is Operation Sagar Bandhu</h2>Launched by India in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah to deliver urgent humanitarian aid and rescue support across cyclone-hit regions of Sri Lanka. Under the mission, air and naval assets supplied tens of tonnes of relief materials, including food, medicines, shelters, water-purification and hygiene kits, while medical teams set up field hospitals. Evacuations and medical care continue as India lends critical support to Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts

Three of the ships, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57, reached Colombo on the morning of December 7 and handed over critical supplies to local authorities, while INS Gharial is expected to arrive in Trincomalee on December 8.

India has scaled up its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in the wake of devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. New Delhi deployed four more naval ships with essential relief material, medical supplies under Operation Sagar Bandhu. The Indian Navy on Monday (Dec 08) said that INS Gharial, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57 have been tasked with transporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) stores to affected regions across Sri Lanka. Three of the ships, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57, reached Colombo on the morning of December 7 and handed over critical supplies to local authorities, while INS Gharial is expected to arrive in Trincomalee on December 8 to continue the relief operations. Also Read: Starlink reveals pricing ahead of India debut: Know how much Elon Musk's internet services cost? The latest deployment follows earlier assistance delivered by INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya, which carried out relief missions and helicopter-borne search and rescue operations under the ongoing effort. With 1,000 tonnes of relief supplies onboard, this mission reinforces the strong people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka and reflects the Indian Navy's commitment to providing timely humanitarian support to our Indian Ocean Region neighbours, as per the statement. Earlier, the Indian Army shared updates on its relief efforts in the neighbouring country under Operation Sagar Bandhu. In the disaster-hit areas, a field hospital set up by the Army has treated over 1250 people and undertaken major emergency surgeries. Indian troops also inducted three Bailey Bridges to speed up the relief work and restore critical connectivity in affected areas, AGDPI wrote in a post on X. Also Read: New NCERT class 7 social science textbook expands coverage on Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion in detail What is Operation Sagar Bandhu Launched by India in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah to deliver urgent humanitarian aid and rescue support across cyclone-hit regions of Sri Lanka. Under the mission, air and naval assets supplied tens of tonnes of relief materials, including food, medicines, shelters, water-purification and hygiene kits, while medical teams set up field hospitals. Evacuations and medical care continue as India lends critical support to Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts

Three of the ships, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57, reached Colombo on the morning of December 7 and handed over critical supplies to local authorities, while INS Gharial is expected to arrive in Trincomalee on December 8.

India scales up Op Sagar Bandhu; sends four additional naval ships with relief supplies to Sri Lanka

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies are prepared to meet in London on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump criticised him for reportedly not accepting Washington's proposal to end the war with Russia. The talks in London follow several days of negotiations between Ukrainian and US officials in Miami, which concluded on Saturday without a breakthrough, though Zelensky agreed to continue discussions.&nbsp;According to a report by AFP, territory was still "the most problematic issue" in the talks on Monday to resolve the almost four-year-long Russia-Ukraine war. Zelensky is expected to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as the German chancellor and French president. Meanwhile, Starmer said he would not pressure Zelensky into accepting the Trump administration’s plan.&nbsp;"I won't be putting pressure on the president," Starmer told ITV News. "The most important thing is to ensure that if there is a cessation of hostilities, and I hope there is, it has to be just and it has to be lasting, which is what we will be focused on this afternoon," he added.<h3>Russian attack in Ukraine injured at least nine people&nbsp;</h3>Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is likely to meet her US counterpart Marco Rubio on Monday. In addition, Moscow has continued to strike its neighbour, injuring at least nine individuals overnight Sunday to Monday, Ukrainian officials confirmed.&nbsp;Zelensky stated that he joined his negotiators for a "very substantive and constructive" response with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during the Miami discussions. "Ukraine is committed to continuing to work honestly with the American side to bring about real peace," Zelensky said on Telegram. He added that the parties agreed "on the next steps and the format of the talks with America".&nbsp;But Donald Trump hit out at Zelensky on Sunday, and said, "I have to say that I'm a little bit disappointed that President Zelensky hasn't yet read the proposal, that was as of a few hours ago."&nbsp;Last week, Kushner and Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. During the meeting, Moscow rejected parts of the US proposal. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron criticised Putin before Monday's talks, calling it Russia's "escalatory path".&nbsp;"We will continue these efforts with the Americans to provide Ukraine with security guarantees, without which no robust and lasting peace will be possible," he wrote on X. "We must continue to exert pressure on Russia to compel it to choose peace."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The talks in London follow several days of negotiations between Ukrainian and US officials in Miami, which concluded on Saturday without a breakthrough, though Zelensky agreed to continue discussions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies are prepared to meet in London on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump criticised him for reportedly not accepting Washington's proposal to end the war with Russia. The talks in London follow several days of negotiations between Ukrainian and US officials in Miami, which concluded on Saturday without a breakthrough, though Zelensky agreed to continue discussions. According to a report by AFP, territory was still "the most problematic issue" in the talks on Monday to resolve the almost four-year-long Russia-Ukraine war. Zelensky is expected to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as the German chancellor and French president. Meanwhile, Starmer said he would not pressure Zelensky into accepting the Trump administration’s plan. "I won't be putting pressure on the president," Starmer told ITV News. "The most important thing is to ensure that if there is a cessation of hostilities, and I hope there is, it has to be just and it has to be lasting, which is what we will be focused on this afternoon," he added. Russian attack in Ukraine injured at least nine people Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is likely to meet her US counterpart Marco Rubio on Monday. In addition, Moscow has continued to strike its neighbour, injuring at least nine individuals overnight Sunday to Monday, Ukrainian officials confirmed. Zelensky stated that he joined his negotiators for a "very substantive and constructive" response with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during the Miami discussions. "Ukraine is committed to continuing to work honestly with the American side to bring about real peace," Zelensky said on Telegram. He added that the parties agreed "on the next steps and the format of the talks with America". But Donald Trump hit out at Zelensky on Sunday, and said, "I have to say that I'm a little bit disappointed that President Zelensky hasn't yet read the proposal, that was as of a few hours ago." Last week, Kushner and Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. During the meeting, Moscow rejected parts of the US proposal. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron criticised Putin before Monday's talks, calling it Russia's "escalatory path". "We will continue these efforts with the Americans to provide Ukraine with security guarantees, without which no robust and lasting peace will be possible," he wrote on X. "We must continue to exert pressure on Russia to compel it to choose peace."

The talks in London follow several days of negotiations between Ukrainian and US officials in Miami, which concluded on Saturday without a breakthrough, though Zelensky agreed to continue discussions.

Zelensky, EU leaders to meet in London after Trump criticises Ukraine over Russia-war peace plan

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